The Raptors break out the Harlem Shake

posted by Romy Aquino

It was only a matter of time before a Toronto Raptors Harlem Shake video was going to surface on YouTube.  And there was no question that it would be Amir Johnson that would be leading the charge.  The YouTube phenomena continues with the Toronto Raptors....except they put their own spin on it courtesy of John Lucas III.  

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PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 42 (02.25.2013)

Episode 42 of RAPS TALK (02.25.13) - We're back from our own All-Star break for another episode of the RAPS TALK podcast.  This week we have a lot to catch up on: the Rudy Gay Era continues, Terrence Ross is the new dunk champ, Sebastian Telfair is the newest memeber of the Raptors, we have a #TEAMJACKDANIELS update and we also have our regular segments "Hoop Heads Humour of the Week" and "The Wenningtons of the Week."  

If you're new to the podcast, make sure you subscribe to the RAPS TALK podcast on iTunes.

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#ROSSJUSTDUNKED - Terrence Ross takes the Dunk Contest trophy back to Toronto

posted by Romy Aquino

Terrence Ross dunked and won.  The Toronto Raptors' Ross outlasted dunk contest faves James White and Gerald Green of the East to win the 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk contest.  T-Ross broke out a Vince Carter throwback in the final round with an off the side of the backboard reverse windmill that gave Kevin Garnett  a reason to put on a stank face.  Check it out.

T-Ross went head to head with 2012 dunk champion, Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz and won with 58% of the vote in the final, all with Toronto homie and rapper, Drake's approval.

Raptors Highlight Night: Rudy Gay's Game Winner, DeMar's Dunk on Mozgov

posted by Romy Aquino

What a night for Toronto Raptors highlights.

It's unbelievable how the Raptors always manage to get themselves in this many close games this season but at least the Raptors are getting on the right side of the win-loss column lately.  Most of the credit has to go to the Raptors newest acquisition, Rudy Gay.  Rudy Gay nailed his first field goal of the second half when it counted it most.....in crunch time, nailing his second game winner for the Raptors beating the Nuggets 109-108.

And to add to the highlight reel for the night; earlier in the second quarter, DeMar DeRozan threw down a filthy dunk on the Nuggets Timofey Mozgov...quite possibly the dunk of the year.  You be the judge.

Raptors move to 20-32 on the season and face off against the Knicks in New York on Wednesday night.  Playoff hopes are still alive.

(Photos via Toronto Raptors Facebook)

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PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 41 (02.11.2013)

Episode 41 of RAPS TALK (02.11.13) -  Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!  This week we talk about the Toronto Raptors past week, Rudy Gay's game winner against the Pacers, #RossShallDunk, "Name That Boxscore", Bargnani for Boozer rumours and we also have our regular segments "Hoop Heads Humour of the Week" and "The Wenningtons of the Week."  

If you're new to the podcast, make sure you subscribe to the RAPS TALK podcast on iTunes.

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Pound the Rock Stars of the Night - Toronto Raptors 100, Indiana Pacers 98 - The 'No, not this guy....YES, THIS GUY' Edition

posted by Romy Aquino
POUND THE ROCK STARS - On a nightly basis, no matter how good or bad the Raps play, no matter if they blow out a team or if they get blown out and no matter if they win or lose, these are the Raptors with the best 'Pound the Rock' status for the night.

FINAL SCORE:   RAPS 100, PACERS 98    SEASON RECORD: 18W-32L

POUND THE ROCK STAR #1: RUDY GAY
LINE:  23 pts (9-25), 5 reb, 1ast, 5 stl, 2 blk

No! Not this guy!  Yes.  This guy.  This is why Bryan Colangelo traded for Rudy Gay...to close out games.  Rudy Gay nailed the game-winner over Paul George with 1.7 seconds to play in overtime to grind out another win against the Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse.  Gay had a bit of a rough shooting tonight going into the fourth quarter, but got it together when it counted most, scoring 17 of his 23 points in the final quarter and overtime period.

#RossShallDunk - Terrence Ross is heading to Houston

posted by Romy Aquino

Terrence Ross is joining a list of Toronto Raptors to take part in the slam dunk contest at the 2013 NBA All-Star weekend in Houston.  It all started with Vince Carter, to DeMar DeRozan and now, Terrence Ross.  T-Ross has definitely made a name for himself this season with an extensive highlight reel of dunks.  And just two days after 22nd birthday, Ross was selected to join defending dunk champ Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz, the Clippers' Eric Bledsoe, Kenneth Faried of the Nuggets, the Pacers' Gerald Green and the Knicks' James White at this upcoming All-Star weekend.  T-Ross bring home that trophy!

(Photos via Yahoo!)

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Raptors Coffee Break: 3 steps to beating the Celtics

posted by Mike Masaya

With all the news surrounding the Raptors acquisition of Rudy Gay resulting in the loss of Jose Calderon and Ed Davis; to the Celtics drama filled ‘falling from grace’ type headlines, an injured Rondo and trade rumors surrounding Pierce and Garnett, both teams will have a lot on their mind during tonights game. As if that weren’t enough the 76ers and Pistons are making it harder for the Celtics to stay in playoff contention and making it tough for the Raptors to get there.

First thing the Raptors have to do is finish the month of February strong starting with a win against the Boston Celtics tonight. With the Celtics, 76ers and Pistons all having tough schedules for the month of February the Raptors need to win in what has historically been a standard loss to Boston.

Here are 3 points that could turn a losing trend on its head and allow tonight’s matchup to end in a win for the Raptors.

1. Attack of the Guards: Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan need to push the tempo against Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee after tip-off and never let up. Whether Lowry is driving and kicking it out to Gay or running a pick and roll with Amir the Raptors game plan should be focused on keeping the Celtics guards back peddling. DeMar has emerged as premier one on one player and neither Courtney Lee or Jason Terry can guard him. Barbosa will do his part from the bench for the Celtics but will have trouble dealing with the Energizer Bunnies Lucas III and Terrence Ross should they get significant time.

2. Pass the Rock: The Raptors played their most impressive and unselfish basketball this season when they fell into a great habit of making the extra pass. With the Raptors current line up, new addition Rudy Gay and if Bargnani suits up at least 80% they will be a major threat both inside and outside the paint even more than they usually are.

3. Get to the Line: It’s no secret tonight's matchup will be labelled as a ‘grind it out’ type of game since there is a good chance neither team will score 100 points. That being said, Lowry, DeMar and Ross will hopefully lead the charge to the basket picking up free throw attempts along the way. This is connected to point number one where driving to the basket and keeping the the Celtics guards on their heels could make all the difference.

Photo via CP24

Familiar Faces in Different Places, Jose makes his Pistons debut, Ed Davis debuts for Memphis

posted by Romy Aquino

Now, that the trade has passed.....Rudy Gay has been spectacular so far for the Toronto, but how about those former Raptors in Detroit and Memphis?  

These photos say it all.  For Raptors fans, this just looks weird.

How did Jose Calderon and Ed Davis make out in their new team debuts?

Jose Calderon vs. NYK:  26 min 15 pts (7-12), 3 ast, 1 reb

Ed Davis vs. WAS:  5 min, 2 pts, 2-2 FT,  1 reb

(Photos via Pistons.com, Grizzlies.com)

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PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 40 (02.04.2013)

Episode 40 of RAPS TALK (02.04.13) -  TRADE TIME!  It's episode 40 of the podcast and the Raptors have made the first big trade of the NBA season acquiring Rudy Gay.  This week we talk trade, the past week of the Raptors, we have our #TEAMJACKDANIELS update from U-E and we also have our regular segments "Hoop Heads Humour of the Week" and "The Wenningtons of the Week."  

If you're new to the podcast, make sure you subscribe to the RAPS TALK podcast on iTunes.

Click here for the MP3 (right click "Save As...")

PUNK JUICE. Caron Butler pulls a fast one on Jonas Valanciunas

posted by Romy Aquino
I'll set the scene.  So the Raptors are up by 27 on the Los Angeles Clippers with 17 seconds to play and the Raps plan to run out the clock on their last possession to close out the win.  Yep, time for Jonas to hold onto the ball, slap a few high fives until...Caron Butler does the unthinkable to the Raptors rook.  You can't trust anyone, Jonas, you just can't trust anyone.

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Pound the Rock Stars of the Night - Toronto Raptors 98, Los Angeles Clippers 73 - The 'Welcome to the Rudy Gay Era' Edition

posted by Romy Aquino
POUND THE ROCK STARS - On a nightly basis, no matter how good or bad the Raps play, no matter if they blow out a team or if they get blown out and no matter if they win or lose, these are the Raptors with the best 'Pound the Rock' status for the night.

FINAL SCORE:   RAPS 98, CLIPPERS 73    SEASON RECORD: 17W-30L

POUND THE ROCK STAR #1: RUDY GAY
LINE:  20 pts (8-16), 3 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk
Well, we didn't think he'd make his Raptors debut on Friday, but Rudy Gay did.  Now, I welcome you to the Rudy Gay era.  The Raptors took it to one of the best teams in the league and punked the Los Angeles Clippers 98-73.  Rudy did not disappoint in his Raptors debut with a game-high 20 points including a couple of highlight alley-oops from his wingman, DeMar DeRozan.