Amir Johnson throws down a windmill, Dwight Buycks shimmies

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Amir Johnson Windmills, Dwight Buycks Shimmies

It was a playoff atmosphere at the ACC on Thursday night as the Raptors ran a triple overtime marathon against the Washington Wizards.  The Raptors played their longest game in franchise history in a game that lasted 3 hours and 32 minutes in a 134-129 loss to the Washington Wizards.  The game was an exciting affair from start to finish including a windmill dunk from Amir Johnson in the fourth quarter.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - RAPTORS 99, CAVS 93 - The "Grind It Out" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

RAPTORS 99, CAVS 93

The "Grind It Out" Edition

The Raptors are learning how to grind out wins even when they surrender 14-point leads.  DeMar DeRozan led the way for Toronto as the Raptors held off the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 99-93.  This was the Raptors third straight win and their sixth win in the last seven games.

Numbers don't lie, check the scoreboard:

The Raptors

33 DeMar DeRozan helped the Raptors grind out a road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The All-Star scored 33 points (12-25), with 16 points in the fourth, 9-13 FT, 6 assists....yes 6 assists, 4 rebounds and one steal.  On a night where Kyle Lowry struggled with his shot, DeMar was able to step it up on the offence and put up his eleventh 30+ point game of the season.

3 The win over Cleveland on Tuesday night marked the third consecutive winning month for Toronto.  The last time this happened? It was 2007.

3-15 Kyle Lowry struggled with his shot on Tuesday going 3-15 from the field and 0-9 from three.  He did make it up at the free throw line where he went 7-7.  Lowry finished with 13 points and 9 assists.

15 Greivis Vasquez was a spark off the Raptors bench and scored 15 points (6-11) in 17 minutes.

19 Terrence Ross had 19 points on the night on 7-11 shooting, 5-8 threes and a monstrous jam in the second half (check out the Final Notes). When T-Ross gets involved on the offence, it translates into wins.

Via Paul Jones:

Ross with 19 pts. When he has 10+ pts #Raptors are 21-6. #rtz
— Paul Jones (@Paul__Jones) February 26, 2014

3:11 The Raptors are becoming more resilient in fourth quarters and grinded out the win in the final three minutes.  The Raps outscored Cleveland 12-4 in the final 3:11 to secure the win.

7 The Toronto Raptors are now seven games over .500.  SEVEN GAMES. Crazy, eh?

The Cavs

0 This was a 2-point game with 3:11 to play and the Cavs could have used their All-Star Kyrie Irving to help them out.  Irving did not score in the final eight minutes and didn't make any of his final shots in the game.  He did finish with 25 points (10-22), 9 assists, 4 rebounds and two steals.

14 The Cavs fell behind by as many as 14 points in the first half but were able to get within one point in the third quarter.

40.5% Cleveland shot just 40% from the field (34-84) and 5-17 from three.

0/5 Toronto native and 2013 first overall pick Anthony Bennett struggled and went 0/5 from the field in eight minutes.

Final Notes

1 We got one nasty throwdown compliments of Terrence Ross.

Pound The Rock Star of the Game: DeMar DeRozan - 40 minutes, 33 points (12-25), 16 points in the fourth, 9-13 FT, 6 assists, 4 reb, 1 stl




(Photo via Yahoo! AP Photo/Tony Dejak) 

---

HIP HOOP JUNKIES linkage!

Twitter:  @hiphoopjunkies

Facebook: 'Like' us on Facebook!

Podcast:  Subscribe to RAPS TALK, our audio podcast on iTunes  If you don't have iTunes, you can subscribe here

T-Shirt Shop: Hip Hoop Junkies clothing

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - RAPTORS 105, MAGIC 90 - The "Third Quarter EruptionPart II" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

RAPTORS 105, MAGIC 90

The "Third Quarter Eruption Part II" Edition

It was an almost identical performance of Toronto's matchup against the Cavs on Friday.  A rough first half followed by a strong second half for Toronto where the Raptors shot a hot 86% in the third quarter.  Kyle Lowry continued to impress and caught fire in the third quarter in the 105-90 win over the Orlando Magic at the Air Canada Centre on Sunday.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - RAPTORS 98, CAVS 91 - The "Third Quarter Eruption" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Follow @romyaquino

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

RAPTORS 98, CAVS 91

The "Third Quarter Eruption" Edition

Mark it down, it's win #30 for the Toronto Raptors.  Toronto continued their dominance at home, making a second half run in their 98-91 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Canada Basketball night at the ACC.  Terrence Ross had his biggest game since his 51-point effort a few weeks back and also played lockdown defence on the Cavs top offensive threats.

RAPTORS PODCAST: RAPS TALK presented by HHJ & HHN Ep. 59 (02.20.2014)

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)
Follow @romyaquino

RAPTORS PODCAST - RAPS TALK Episode 59

The "All Star Experience" episode

Episode 59 of RAPS TALK (02.20.14) - It's All Star everything on this week's podcast.  Sean represented the Hoop Heads North-Hip Hoop Junkies family in New Orleans for All-Star weekend so on this week's podcast, we talk NBA All-Star weekend, Drake as a dunk contest prop, Dr. J, whiskey tastings, the NBA trade deadline and our Wenningtons of the Week where we recap the best NBA Canadian performances from the past week.

Dollars Making Sense: Money Ball in the NBA

(Raptors Head Coach Dwayne Casey (left) with 2013 Executive of the Year Masai Ujiri)

With All-Star weekend hangovers long gone fans are settling in for their teams to make that final push towards the playoffs. For supporters of the Heat, Bulls, Thunder, Spurs and Clippers it’s business as usual. What’s new in the grand scheme of things is the emergence of teams that have finally gotten their heads above water. The goal for every club in October is to win a championship and for those that understand it’s unlikely in such a top heavy league, making the playoffs keeps some hope alive. Once the bracket is set every series is one ejection, one injury or one game winning shot away from the next round.

Out of the top 10 largest team salaries in the NBA last years finalists the Spurs and even more so the Heat have the best chances of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2014. With the understanding that injuries and trades have played a major role in season results, other top spending franchises such as the Nets, Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, Grizzlies, Bulls and Denver are in no way striking fear into their opponents in the foreseeable future.

NBA TRADE DEADLINE - Raptors swap Austin Daye for Nando De Colo from the Spurs

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Follow @romyaquino

NBA TRADE DEADLINE

Raps give up Austin Daye for Nando De Colo

The Raptors were quiet on NBA trade deadline day, making a minor move on Thursday.

San Antonio has traded Nando De Colo to the Toronto Raptors for Austin Daye, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 20, 2014 

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - BULLS 94, RAPTORS 92 - The "Revenge of the DJ" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Follow @romyaquino

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

BULLS 94, RAPTORS 92

The "Revenge of the DJ" Edition

Win or lose, these Toronto Raptors are always in these games in the fourth quarter. The Raptors erased a fifteen point Bulls lead and got within one point in the final possession of a gritty battle with the Chicago Bulls.  Jimmy Butler had a block on DeMar DeRozan on the final possession, that led the Bulls to a two point victory at the ACC.  It was former Raptor point guard DJ Augustin who made an impression in the fourth quarter in the Bulls victory.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - RAPTORS 103, WIZARDS 93 - The "Pick Up Where We Left Off" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Follow @romyaquino

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

RAPTORS 103, WIZARD 93 

The "Pick Up Where We Left Off" Edition

The Raptors picked up where they left off before the break and continued to show their effectiveness on the road, and picked up another road win.  Kyle Lowry made his case on why he should have been an All-Star and outplayed Washington's John Wall in a 103-93 win on Tuesday night.

#PROUDOFDEMAR - The NBA All-Star Sunday Hangover

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Follow @romyaquino

#PROUDOFDEMAR

The NBA All-Star Sunday Hangover

That's a wrap.  Another 2014 All-Star weekend is in the books and Sunday night's All-Star game did not disappoint one bit.  It was a high-scoring affair and was a close match between the East and West until the last minute of play.  The Cavs' Kyrie Irving took home the MVP honours for the East in their 163-155 All-Star game win.  DeMar DeRozan made his All-Star debut and joined Paul Millsap and John Mall as first time All-Star selections on Sunday.

So Terrence Ross Kind of Won? The Toronto Raptors All-Star Friday and Saturday Night Recap

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Follow @romyaquino

So Terrence Ross Kind of Won?

The Toronto Raptors All-Star Friday and Saturday Night Recap

NBA All-Star Weekend got a makeover this year in New Orleans and the overall vibe was this was a dud.  A new "team" format was implemented in most of these Saturday night competitions which left a lot to be desired at the end of it.  Especially the dunk contest.  The contest had a few new rules implemented and it had some star power with the likes of  Paul George, John Wall and Damian Lillard but overall, it was a miss and I think left fans with more of a "Is that it?" reaction.

We had a lot of Raptors representation for this weekend, so let's take a look at how the Raptors faired on Friday and Saturday:

THE FIVE - The Top Five Toronto Raptors Dunk Contest Performances

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Follow @romyaquino

THE FIVE

Top Five Toronto Raptors Dunk Contest Performances

The Toronto Raptors have had their share of contestants in the All-Star Saturday night's dunk contest, and with the 2014 All-Star Saturday in New Orleans tonight, it's only fitting to take a  look back at the best Toronto Raptors All-Star weekend dunk contest performances.  From Jamario Moon to T-Mac to Terrence Ross, Toronto hasn't disappointed in the dunk contest and Terrence Ross will look to this trend and will defend his dunk title tonight.

RAPTORS PODCAST: RAPS TALK presented by HHJ & HHN Ep. 58 (02.13.2014)

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)
Follow @romyaquino

RAPTORS PODCAST - RAPS TALK Episode 58

The "Half Jersey, Half Vest, Half Amazing" episode

Episode 58 of RAPS TALK (02.13.14) - Sean is headed to New Orleans for All-Star weekend and will represent Halifax, Hoop Heads North and Hip Hoop Junkies in the Big Easy!  On this episode of the RAPS TALK podcast, we have an All-Star Weekend focused episode where we  discuss the Raptors representation that will be in New Orleans and break down our thoughts on this weekend's All-Star events.  We also discuss the Raptors west coast road swing, possible trades at the deadline, Amir's half jersey-half suit vest and finally our Wenningtons of the Week where we recap the best NBA Canadian performances from the past week.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - RAPTORS 108, PELICANS 101 - The "It's Good To Be Home" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

Follow @romyaquino

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

RAPTORS 108, PELICANS 101 

The "It's Good To Be Home" Edition

The Raptors must feel good to be back home.  After a grueling five-game road trip on the west coast, the Raptors finally returned back home to the ACC on Monday night.  Toronto began a stretch of games at the ACC, starting on Monday evening against the New Orleans Pelicans.  It was a Jekyll and Hyde night for the Raptors, where the team watched large leads disappear throughout the night.  Toronto managed to hold on, and finished with a 108-101 win over Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.  Toronto is now 27-24 on the season and have just one more game before the All-Star break.

#RossRisesAgain - The Top 5 Best In-Game Dunks from Terrence Ross

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

#RossRisesAgain 

The Top 5 Best In-Game Dunks from Terrence Ross

With NBA All-Star Saturday just less than a week away, reigning slam dunk champion Terrence Ross will defend his title against some star power on Saturday.  Paul George, John Wall, Damian Lillard, Ben McLemore and Harrison Barnes will join the Toronto Raptors Terrence Ross in a dunk contest with new rules which should make for an exciting contest.

Let's take a  look back at Terrence Ross' top five in-game dunks:

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - CLIPPERS 118, RAPTORS 105 - The "Road Trip is Finally Over" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino (@romyaquino)

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

CLIPPERS 118, RAPTORS 105 

The "Road Trip is Finally Over" Edition

The five-game west coast road trip is finally over.  The Raptors cap off their road trip with a 118-105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Staples.  The Clips proved to be too athletic for a fatigued Toronto Raptors team with Blake Griffin continuing his scoring tear in the league, finishing with 36 points.  Toronto is now 26-24 on the season.

Team Grant Hill drafts who? Barkley butchers Jonas Valanciunas pronounciation

posted by Romy Aquino

Team Grant Hill drafts who? 

Barkley butchers Jonas Valanciunas pronounciation

In tonight's BBVA Rising Stars Rookie-Sophomore draft on TNT, Charles Barkley chooses to select Raptors centre, Jonas Valanciunas.  Sure it's a hard name to pronounce, but come on now, Chuck!
It was also announced that Terrence Ross will be defending his dunk title at this season's Sprite Slam Dunk competition against some heavy hitters: Paul George, Harrison Barnes, Damian Lillard and Ben McLemore.  And the rumour is...Terrence Ross will not be using any props.

And out of nowhere, DeMar DeRozan will be taking part in Saturday night's skills challenge, representing the Eastern Conference against the likes of Victor Oladipo, Trey Burke, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Carter-Williams, Damian Lillard and Goran Dragic.  It's rare that you see a shooting guard in a point guard oriented competition, so it'll be interesting to see how DeMar fares.

We'll definitely be looking forward to a Raptor-filled All-Star weekend in New Orleans!

---

HIP HOOP JUNKIES linkage!

Twitter:  @hiphoopjunkies

Facebook: 'Like' us on Facebook!

Podcast:  Subscribe to RAPS TALK, our audio podcast on iTunes  If you don't have iTunes, you can subscribe here

T-Shirt Shop: Hip Hoop Junkies clothing

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - KINGS 109, RAPTORS 101 - The "Screw Job" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino

Wednesday night marked the first game between the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors since the seven player trade back in December.  Both teams have benefited from the swap, with Rudy Gay becoming a more efficient scorer in Sacramento and the Raptors have steadily moved up the standings in the East.  Wednesday's showdown was the first opportunity for one team to show that they made it out on the better end of the deal.  This night it wasn't Toronto.  The Raptors got down big early, only to go on a massive fourth quarter run that ended in a 109-101 loss in a controversial finish in Sacramento.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - RAPTORS 94, JAZZ 79 - The "Road Warriors" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino

These West Coast trips are normally hell for these Toronto Raptors.  But this trip hasn't been half bad with three solid efforts on this west coast swing including a win over Utah Jazz 94-79 on Monday night.  Toronto notched another road win and it was all done on the defensive end, holding the Jazz to just 79 points.

Kyle "Not An All-Star" Lowry named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

posted by Romy Aquino

Last Thursday, Kyle Lowry wasn't selected to the Eastern Conference NBA All-Star reserves.  He joined the likes of Anthony Davis, Goran Dragic and Lance Stephenson on the 2014 NBA All-Star Snub team.  On Monday, he got the recognition he deserved from the NBA, being named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for his efforts in the Raptors last stretch of games.

(Via the Raptors press release):

The NBA announced Monday that guard Kyle Lowry has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, January 27 through Sunday, February 2. Lowry is the fifth Raptor in franchise history to capture the award, joining Chris Bosh (7X), Vince Carter (7X), Mike James and Jalen Rose. This is the second time Lowry has won the honour, having previously been named Western Conference Player of the Week with the Houston Rockets for games played March 14-20, 2011.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - BLAZERS 106, RAPTORS 103 - The "Rip City Heartbreak" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino

Facing off against one of the top teams in league on a back-to-back can be tough.  The Raptors of old, would have likely folded early in these types of games.  And in the first half against the Blazers on Saturday, it was looking to be one of those old Raptors games.  The Raptors were down by 17 to Portland at the half on a terrible shooting performance and it looked to be over early.  But then the Raptors came into the second half on a tear.  DeMar DeRozan sparked a furious second half run that brought the Raptors within one point.  With just 5 seconds to play and a chance to win it, DeMar committed a costly turnover in the final seconds that helped the Blazer secure a 106-103 win.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - RAPTORS 100, NUGGETS 90 - The "Dunk of the Year" Edition

posted by Romy Aquino

If you didn't watch last night's game, you missed probably one of the best dunks of the year.  Terrence Ross' dunk on Kenneth Faried to end the first half in the Mile High City, was by far the highlight of the night.  Toronto began their first game of a five game west coast road trip in Denver and won their first contest 100-90 over the Denver Nuggets.