5:10pm Eastern

* BRYAN COLANGELO

How do you look back at this season, right now?
“It’s a constant process of evaluating of where we are … Let’s face it, season-long we have needed to address certain things and I’m not sure that we ever did.  And let’s start with the absence of (Jorge) Garbajosa.  Not having that component on this team – that savvy and experience … made it difficult.” 

“So what do we do today?  We sit down and have exit interviews with the players … But today it’s far too early to make any rash decisions on who is going to be here and who is not going to be here.”

“We need to address defense and rebounding areas … a 20-point scorer … We need to get some more help for Chris Bosh … to help shoulder some of that burden.”

“My biggest disappointment is that we didn’t get better.”

Thoughts on the job Sam Mitchell did …
“All things should be put to rest right now.  I have absolutely no plans to make a coaching change right now.”

“Nobody’s saying it’s all Sam Mitchell’s fault.  Nobody’s saying it’s all Bryan Colangelo’s fault.  Nobody’s saying it’s all Andrea Bargnani’s fault.  It’s a collective effort in everything we do.”

“He’s the coach of this basketball team.”

His thoughts on TJ Ford and Jose Calderon and the fact that Ford said “I want to be a starter”, while Calderon said “I just want to win” …
“This is not a new issue.  It’s an issue that’s been talked about quite a bit.  I don’t blame (TJ) and I applaud the fact that that’s his position.

“It’s a very safe assumption that Jose will be back in a Raptors uniform next season.”

“We’ve got a problem that needs to be resolved and it will be resolved in time.”

“You know I don’t like to sit on my hands in terms of trying to improve our basketball team … whether or not they include TJ Ford going to another team - or anybody else – it all needs to play out.” 

Thoughts on Andrea Bargnani’s struggles in his second season …
“He’s a young player with a tremendous amount of upside.  For everyone that is ready to throw him out with the bath water, I beg to differ.  He’s a 22 year old young kid who is making his way in the league.

“We need to do a better job of nurturing what we have – not just Andrea – but the entire team.”

On whether or not Garbajosa will suit-up for Spain this summer if he’s declared fit/healthy …
“I think it’s a pretty safe assumption that he will not be playing in the Olympics if he’s under contract with us.”

On the fans … and how fired-up they are right now about the Raptors’ disappointing year:
“I prefer that they’re anxious and not unresponsive”

E. Smith

* IF YOU’D LIKE TO HEAR THESE QUOTES/COMMENTS DIRECTLY – WORD FOR WORD – CHECK OUT THE FAN’S “HOT AUDIO” SECTION

4:45pm Eastern

* SAM MITCHELL

Addressing the ‘rumors’ that are out there regarding his job status in Toronto …
“I have no idea about the rumors.”

“As a coach, all you can is do your job to the best of your ability.  I love coaching here.  I love being here.  I love the city.  I love the fans.” 

“I’m extremely grateful and I always will be.  I’m extremely grateful for Rob Babcock even giving me a chance to be a head coach.”

“There’s always going to be rumors, there’s always going to be ‘another guy’.”

“All I can do is say that I have no complaints.”

“I’d love to remain the coach (here).  I come into work every day to do my job.  I have no complaints other than I wish we were still playing.”

On whether or not he’d like to hear a vote of confidence from Bryan Colangelo …
“I’m not that insecure to where I need that.  I have no complaints … we didn’t advance and we’re extremely disappointed about that … He could tell me that and then (something else could come along) …”

Mitchell’s thoughts on Jose Calderon:
“You guys saw Jose his first year – it was tough for him … and to see where Jose has come from and to see how his game has grown, I’m proud of Jose.” 

“He shoots the three.  He makes great decisions with the basketball.  I trust his instincts on the floor.  He’s my point guard.  You’ve gotta trust your point guard.  I’m proud of Jose.”

On Andrea Bargnani’s inconsistent year …
“We still feel very confident that Andrea is going to be the player that we think he can be.  He’s a very skilled player.  It would be unfair to lay all the blame on Andrea.  Me and my coaches, we all have to take a bite of the apple.”

Can this team go forward with both Ford and Calderon again next year?
“Right now we have two very good point guards on our team.  That’s a question that’s going to be for Bryan.”

E. Smith

* IF YOU’D LIKE TO HEAR THESE QUOTES/COMMENTS DIRECTLY – WORD FOR WORD – CHECK OUT THE FAN’S “HOT AUDIO” SECTION

3:50pm Eastern

* JOSE CALDERON

On if he wants to be back in Toronto next year (he’s a restricted free agent):
“I love it here.  I like the Raptors for sure.  It was a great three years … right now I feel like I need to do something for the team … I’d like to do something big for this team.”

On whether or not he and TJ can co-exist together, again (both wanting to start):
“Yeah, why not?  You’re always going to have competition in your position.  I don’t know what’s going to happen in the summer.  The Raptors can match any offer … “

TJ said he loves you and loves your game, but he wants to be a starter.  How do you feel?
“I want to win.  I don’t want to be a star or not a star.  I want to win.  I want to win a championship.  I really don’t know if I want to be a starter or a back-up … I want to be on a winning team.  I think it’s the coach’s decision who is the starter or not.”

E. Smith

* IF YOU’D LIKE TO HEAR THESE QUOTES/COMMENTS DIRECTLY – WORD FOR WORD – CHECK OUT THE FAN’S “HOT AUDIO” SECTION

3:05pm Eastern 

* JAMARIO MOON

Looking back at his rookie season:
“My teammates really pushed me … and my coaches.  Everybody in the organization had my back.  I appreciate everything.”

On his off-season plans:
“I think I’m going to go home and work out a little bit and try to beef up a little bit.”

On the focus that was on him this year for his “story” – the 27-year-old rookie who bounced around every league imaginable before making it to the NBA:
“It was fun.  It brought a lot of attention to me – and it actually brought a lot of attention to the Raptors too.”

What this team needs to improve on for next season …
“Rebounding.  Rebounds killed us this year.”

E. Smith

* IF YOU’D LIKE TO HEAR THESE QUOTES/COMMENTS DIRECTLY – WORD FOR WORD – CHECK OUT THE FAN’S “HOT AUDIO” SECTION

2:15pm Eastern 

I’m kind of working on a “live blog” right now.  How’s that for dedication to the craft?

After being eliminated from the playoffs last night in Orlando, the Raptors are busy cleaning out their lockers today … an annual tradition in every sport. 

So as I sit here at the ACC … chatting with some of the players during the various press conferences – and listening to other members of the media ask their questions as well – I figured I’d type out some of the quotes ASAP.

My grade 9 keyboarding class is coming in handy right now. 

These are DIRECT quotes … but … it should be noted … that you’ll likely hear (on the FAN) and see/read more extensive comments through the next 24 hours.  So, don’t take things out of context folks!  I’m simply trying to get a few lines transcribed as the players are speaking.  I can’t keep up with loooong run-on sentences or prophetic paragraphs.  I’m not a freakin’ stenographer/court reporter!

* CHRIS BOSH 

Your thoughts now that the season is over?
“It’s all about getting better as an individual now.”

Was it a frustrating year? 
“We had ups and downs; we had injuries … This year’s been tough.  We raised the bar for ourselves last year and we kinda took a step back.”

Thoughts on Dwight Howard’s impact in Toronto’s first-round series (losing 4-1 to the Magic): 
“He probably played the best I’ve ever seen him play.”

Your plans for the US Team and the Olympics this summer?
“I would like to play as long as I’m healthy.  As long as I don’t have any issues with my body, I plan to play.”

Thoughts on where the Raptors stand in the East – with teams like Atlanta and Philly (and others) improving: 
“We have to step up and meet the competition next year.  That’s going to make the conference more competitive.”

Can Andrea Bargnani improve and live up to his “number one pick” potential?
“It rests on his shoulders.  It’s on him.  He has to believe in himself.  It starts with him.  If he puts forth the effort, I think he can do great things.”

On if Bargnani needs to do more (i.e. – rebounding, defence, etc.):
“Be a force in the game even if you’re not making shots.”

Should Sam Mitchell be the coach next season?
“He should be here.  I think he’s earned the right to be here.”

What do you hope to be doing at this time next year?
“First round is going to be over … getting ready for the second round.”

On whether or not this team can succeed if Jose Calderon is re-signed and TJ Ford is still on the team as well:
“If we keep Jose and we have them both … we have to address that.”  (NOTE:  Bosh went on to explain that he totally understood where both Calderon on Ford were coming from; both want(ed) to play starters’ minutes and both believe they can lead a team.  Both proved that at various times as well.  So Bosh can see how that situation is both a positive and a negative.)

—–

* ANTHONY PARKER 

Did this team meet its expectations this year?
“No.  I think we were more talented this year than last year, so, we were looking to take that next step this year.”

On whether or not roster changes might be needed:
“I think the goal is to take that next step and in order to do that, something is going to have to change.”

Commenting on the fact that he’s entering the final year of his contract …
“I would love to stick around.”

On what this team might need to take that “next step”:
“If Chris had some help – scoring-wise; maybe a wing player … “

—–

* TJ FORD

On if he’d welcome an opportunity to be somewhere else: 
“I don’t think I would have a choice.  I’m not sure if it will get down to that.” 

On whether or not he could see himself accepting the role of being a “back up” next year if that situation were to play out (with Jose Calderon being re-signed):
“I don’t know.  I don’t know.  I think as of where I’m at right now in my NBA career, I consider myself a starter.  I don’t see myself coming off the bench for 82 games.”

On his relationship with Calderon …
“I think we have a good relationship.  There’s no bad tension between us … there never has been.”

Do you still “dream” of having a team to call your own – where you’re playing 35 minutes a night, etc?
“I think everybody does.  I still want to be considered one of the best point guards in the NBA.  That title hasn’t come as easier for me as it has in my past … but I do believe I’m going to get there.”

—–

More to come from Sam Mitchell, Jose Calderon, and likely others as well. 

E. Smith

* IF YOU’D LIKE TO HEAR THESE QUOTES/COMMENTS DIRECTLY – WORD FOR WORD – CHECK OUT THE FAN’S “HOT AUDIO” SECTION

It’s been a long season – despite the short trip to the playoffs – and there are a ton of people to thank; a ton of folks that contributed to an enjoyable year on the FAN 590 Raptors’ broadcasts … and on “Hoops” (on the FAN and Raptors TV). 

So, on behalf of Paul Jones as well, I’d like to thank the following groups for making my job easier throughout the last 8-9 months: 

Technical Directors at the FAN 590:
Brian Calhoun, Jason Niven, Ryan Pressley, Lance Kennedy, Mike Leach, Neil Oosten, Greg Lowe, Momin Qureshi, Nick Laratta 

Post-Game Locker Room Reporters for the FAN 590:
Zack Cooper, David Alter, Ryan Fabro, Rob Wong, Danielle Neziol, Eric Prime, Sara Buchan, Alex Seixiero, Enzo Maraventano, Ben Ennis, Joanna Gruenberg, Len Grammenopoulos, Adam Kimber, Jason Magder* 

Raptors’ Radio Broadcast Producers:
Ken Rodney, Scott Douglas, Joel McFayden, Jon Levett, Zach Cosby 

Hosts, Producers, Sportscasters, and Management at the FAN 590:
Nelson Millman, Doug Farraway, Chuck McCoy, Jaspreet Mangat, Ian Cunningham, Roger Lajoie, Norm Rumack, Bob McCown, Jim Kelly, Stephen Brunt, Mike Hogan, Mike Toth, Chuck Swirsky, Don Landry, Gord Stellick, Dan Dunleavy, Rick Ralph, Barb DiGiulio, Andrew Nie, Dave Cadeau, Ryan Walsh, Bryan Angus, Ryan Fabro, Jennifer Rolnick, Max Procyk 

Fellow Broadcasters and Regular Pre-Game Show Contributors:
Jack Armstrong, Leo Rautins 

Traveling TV Broadcast Crew:
Paul Graham, John Rusin, Troy Clara, Matt Bloom, Jeff Rocchi, Rod Black 

Raptors TV Hosts, Producers, Technical Staff, and Management:
Chris Hebb, Dan Gladman, Dean Bender, Frank Hayward, Daniel Joseph, Aaron Lafontaine, Jeff Landicho, Scott Wallace, Liana Bristol, Sherman Hamilton, Paul Johnson, Darren Andrade, Akil Augustine, Barry Taylor, Alain Siodlowski, Ashley Boland, Chris Clarke, Chris Phillips, Domenic Serafini, Duncan Blair, Jeff Dwyer, John Rootes, Leanne Bileski, Matt Andrews, Scott Clark, Tanya Dalla-Nora, Todd Clancy, Tom Domanski, Susan Edwards, Heather Jenken, Mike Christos, Krystian Kalinowski, Nicole Anderson* 

Toronto Raptors Media Relations Staff:
Jim LaBumbard, Jamie Deans, Roven Yau, John Lashway, Rajani Kamath 

Toronto Raptors Management, Coaches, and Team Staff:
Bryan Colangelo, Maurizio Gherardini, Larry Tanenbaum, Wayne Embry, Jim Kelly, Masai Uriji, Marc Eversley, Sam Mitchell, Jay Triano, Alex English, Mike Evans, Bob Peterson, Eric Hughes, John Lucas, Tom Anselmi, Richard Peddie, Kevin DiPietro, Paul Elliott, Dr. Paul Marks, Dr. Howard Petroff, Scott McCullough, Ray Chow, Keith D’Amelio, Rory Mullin, Willis Richardson, Sandra Farfan, Alanna Rubino, Dave De Freitas, Cindy Gee, Casey Whalen, Jon Goodwillie, Graeme McIntosh, Courtney Charles, Steve Bignell, Jennifer Callegaro 

Fellow Members of the Media (Covering the Raptors):
Doug Smith, Michael Grange, Dave Feschuk, Steve Buffery, Mike Ganter, Frank Zicarelli, Dave Perkins, Bruce Arthur, Eric Koreen, Mike Koreen, Lori Ewing, Claude Feig, Kathryn Humphreys, James Cybulski, Barry Davis, Tony Ambrogio, Rob Gillies, Mike Ulmer, Mike Ball, Matt Iaboni, Latham Bromwich, John McCauley, Steve Simmons, Larry Millson, Cabral Richards, Glenn Schiiler 

Raptors Radio Sponsors on the FAN 590:
Rogers, Tom Altosaar and his staff at Alice Fazoolis, Dave Murray and the folks at Quik-X, Hoop Dome, McDonalds, V-Tech   

And a BIG thank you to all of the Raptor fans through Toronto, the GTA, and the entire country.  From phone calls to emails to quick chats on the street … I appreciate your passion for “your team” and your dedication to the sport.  Plus, your feedback – pro and con – is valuable too. 

Both Jonesy and I look forward to bringing you another season of Toronto Raptors basketball on the FAN 590 next season. 

Enjoy the summer … and keep checking out this blog (and listening to the FAN) for more info, updates, and breaking news on the Raptors and the NBA.  I have a feeling it’s going to be a busy off-season.

E. Smith

* My apologies to anybody that I may have forgotten on this extensive list.  Just know that your work was appreciated.

4:10pm Eastern

174 – number of 7-game series in NBA history that have stood at 3-1
8 – number of times a team has come back to win a series after trailing 3-1
33 – Jamario Moon’s jersey number. He’ll play tonight against the Magic despite his groin injury
2007 – the year Toronto trailed 3-1 against the Nets; winning Game 5 to force Game 6
25 – Dollars. The cost of the cheapest seat at Amway Arena tonight. There are STILL tickets available
1 – Or “first”. The most important quarter for Toronto tonight. They can’t fall down early, AGAIN
112 – Number of cliches I’ve heard from players and coaches over the last week and a half
26 – Points per game that Chris Bosh has averaged in this series
16 – Total blocks (4.0 per-game average) for Dwight Howard thus far
7 – Assists per game that TJ Ford is averaging in this series

And a quick timeout here.  For what it’s worth, let’s look at Ford’s numbers versus Jose Calderon’s:
Ford:  25.0 minutes / 11.0 points / 7.0 assists / 4.3 rebounds / 1.50 turnovers / 0.75 steals
Jose:  24.0 minutes / 11.8 points / 7.8 assists / 3.8 rebounds / 1.25 turnovers / 0.25 steals

Anyway, moving on …

20 – Percentage Carlos Delfino is shooting from 3PT range in this series
15 – The jersey number of the player Toronto could use right now (no, not VC.  Jorge Garbajosa).
6 – O’clock.  The possible start-time of Game 6 in Toronto on Thursday … if this series goes that far
155 – Approximate days until the beginning of Training Camp if the Raptors are eliminated tonight
223 – NHL series that have gone 3-1 … and only 20 times has the team trailing 3-1 come back to win
3 – Wins in a row the Raps need to win this series.  They’ve done that (win 3) only twice in 2008
590 – Number on your radio dial that you can check out the game tonight

E. Smith

4:35pm Eastern

EARLY ARRIVAL

The Raptors were originally expected to leave Toronto at 2:00pm on Sunday but after their loss on Saturday afternoon … their flight time was bumped up.  The thinking was … Sam Mitchell and the team preferred to get to Orlando a little bit earlier … in order to practice in Florida … and have a full day of rest in preparation for Monday night’s game. 

Thus, the team flight departed at 9:00am on Sunday morning.

When the plane landed around 11:30am, the team bus went directly from the airport to Amway Arena where the Raptors hit the floor for a 2-hour, light practice.

MOON EXPECTED TO PLAY

Sam Mitchell told the media after practice on Sunday that Jamario Moon is expected to play in Game 5 on Monday night.  In fact, it looks like Mitchell will keep the same starting give intact as well … with Moon starting alongside Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, and TJ Ford.

Moon strained his groin in the 3RD quarter of Game 4 and did not return to action.  He told reporters after the game that he wanted to play again and felt that he was good-to-go … however … Mitchell said on Sunday that he had not been given a definitive answer on Moon’s status (i.e. - ”He’s 100%”) so he didn’t want to risk further injury to the rookie swingman.  But it sounds like Moon has the clean bill of health from the docs and trainers … so barring a setback on Monday morning … he’ll suit up for his first start in Orlando.  He came off the bench in Games 1 and 2 … and Bosh said today that he thinks Moon’s energy and rebounding could make a big difference to the Raps after their sluggish starts in the two previous games in FLA.

HOWARD NOT A PRESENCE?

I’m a big fan of Jose Calderon – as a person and as a player.  But I was a little perplexed today when I heard his response to this question (and I’m slightly paraphrasing):  Do you think Dwight Howard has made a difference in the lane; affecting shots; making you and the Raptors think twice about going to the hoop, etc?

Jose’s answer (and this is a direct quote):   
“Not really.  Personally, no.  In this league, everybody can block shots.  You know if he comes to block shots, somebody else is going to be open.  He cannot be in two places at the same time.”

Perhaps Calderon was just being politically correct — not wanting to give Howard or the Magic any bulletin board material.  Maybe he didn’t want to give Howard anymore reason to puff out his chest and say ‘Yeah, I’m in the heads of the Raptors.  I’m the man’. 

I hope that’s the case … ’cause … otherwise … I’m not sure how Calderon can’t see the impact Howard has had on Toronto’s offense.  He’s been MASSIVE.  He’s been an intimidator.  He’s a 7-foot fly-swatter.  And he has tallied 16 blocks in only 4 games.  8 of those blocks came in Game 4 alone.

If that’s not a difference-maker … I don’t know what is.

E. Smith

8:10pm Eastern

For 44:00 minutes, the Raptors played well enough to win.  But the full 48 did them in … and now they head to Orlando down 3 games to 1. 

The Magic flew back to Florida with a 106-94 win and a strangle-hold on this first-round series.

Toronto walked into the 4TH quarter with a 1-point lead … at 74-73.  And while the Raps couldn’t put away Orlando, T.O. actually increased their lead to three by the 6:45 mark.  But the Magic pulled out the smelling salts and woke up at the right time.  They controlled the final – and most crucial – minutes of the game.

Jameer Nelson led the comeback by scoring 10-straight points for the Magic.  Before Nelson caught fire, he was just 2 for 6 (7 points) and his team trailed T.O. by two.  When his 3-minute flurry was over, he had propelled Orlando to a 3-point lead … at 88-85.

To their credit, Toronto punched back and closed the gap to to two with 2:29 to go.

Carlos Delfino had fouled out and Sam Mitchell opted to go with a smaller line up — running Jose Calderon, TJ Ford, Chris Bosh, Anthony Parker, and Jason Kapono for the final three minutes or so — but Toronto’s “size” really didn’t seem to matter.  They weren’t getting beat or manhandled down low … it was their perimeter “D” that let them down. 

After cutting Orlando’s lead to 94-92 (at the 2:29 mark), Toronto gave up back-to-back 3-pointers to Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis that busted the game wide-open with less than two minutes to play.  

With the Raptors scrambling against the clock … their comeback bid fell short. 

The game was iced at the free throw line … with the Magic outscoring Toronto 12-2 over the final two and a half minutes of the game.

Bosh had a post-season career-high 39 points.  He added 15 rebounds as well.  However, he was the lone bright light for Toronto.  Ford finished the game with 12 points and 13 assists but 4 and 8 of those (respectively) came in the 1ST quarter.  And in the biggest game of the season, Jamario Moon, Andrea Bargnani, and Calderon struggled mightily … combining to go 4 of 20 from the floor.  Both Bargnani and Calderon were each 1 for 7.

Moon’s status for Game 5 could be in question as well … after straining his left groin in the 3RD quarter. 

Orlando leads the series 3-1.  Toronto faces elimination at the Amway Arena on Monday night.  7:00pm pre-game show on the FAN; tip-off just after 7:30pm.

E. Smith

2:20pm Eastern

We’re less than an hour from the tip of Game 4 between the Magic and Raptors and the ACC is already starting to fill up. 

Dwight Howard is shooting free throws as I speak … and the “HOWWW-ARRRD” chants have already begun.  The fans appear to be jacked-up again.

The party outside on Bay Street is slowly moving inside … and hopefully the bash will continue inside the building as well.

As I wrote yesterday, the fans made a MAJOR difference in Game 3.  But they’ll have to be at a fevered pitch again this afternoon.

They may not have looked like it the other night, but the Magic are a great road team.  In fact, Orlando won more games on the road this year than they did at home.  And that storyline means a ton right now given the fact that this series may come down to which team can steal one on the road.  If Toronto wins today – and evens the series at 2-2 – they’ll still have to win a game in Orlando in either Game 5 or Game 7 (if it goes that far).  If Orlando can pick up a win today … they’ll take momentum away from the Raps and walk home with a commanding 3-1 lead.  Today is JUST as crucial as Thursday night was.

As the series goes on … there’s not as much to say; there’s not as much to analyze.  A lot of what happens simply comes down to the players and how they execute in the game(s) itself.  The chess match will always be there between Stan Van Gundy and Sam Mitchell – as it is with any two coaches in any series.  But as the series rolls along … adjustments should be minor; trends and tendencies should already be set. 

I mean, we all know how important the 1ST Quarter is to the Raptors.  They can’t fall down early.  And we know about the importance of Chris Bosh passing out of double-teams; getting a body on Dwight Howard; not allowing Jameer Nelson to turn the corner against TJ Ford or Jose Calderon; guarding the perimeter; and so on and so on. 

Toronto knows all of this.  But can they match their success from Thursday?  We’ll find out very shortly.

E. Smith

NOTE:  Jameer Nelson (back spasms) is expected to start today