Sunday February 28 2010 – 8:39pm Central - Oklahoma City, OK 

Raptors @ Thunder

Final Score:
119-99, Thunder (Toronto now 31-27)

“Smith and Jones” Player of the Game:
JEFF GREEN
20 points
6 rebounds 
3 assists
4 steals
6/12 FG (including 3/3 from 3PT)
5/7 FT

“Alice Fazoolis” Player of the Game:
* We weren’t joined by a member of the Thunder (due to the fact that we had to get out of our broadcast ASAP for the Olympic closing ceremonies) … but if we had chatted with someone it would have been:
KEVIN DURANT
29 points
6 rebounds
9/18 FG
9/10 FT

Shout-out to the Raptors:
SONNY WEEMS
14 points (*tied his career high)
5/11 FG
4/4 FT

Stats that stood out:
- Points in the Paint:  52-48, Thunder
- 2nd Chance Points:  18-15, Thunder
- Fast Break Points:  21-10, Thunder
- Toronto is now 2-3 this season without Chris Bosh in the line up
- Thunder now 18-6 vs the East (including 11-4 at home)
- Thunder now 25-3 when scoring 100+ points
- Thunder now 30-7 when leading after 3 quarters
- Durant now has 30 straight games of 25 or more points
- Thunder now 18-3 when Nenad Kristic scores 10+ points (he had 16 points and 3 rebounds)
- Thunder now 28-7 when holding their opponents under 100 points
- Thunder now 15-4 when Russell Westbrook goes for 10 or more assists (he had 14 points, 10 assists, 4 steals, and 3 rebounds)

Thumbs Up:
- This is a stretch … but … Toronto did out-rebound the Thunder (the #3 rebounding team in the league) 45-38

Thumbs Down:
- Turnovers.  They piled up early and often and in the end the Raptors gave up 29 points on 18 turnovers.

Smith Says:
- “Did we mention Canada beat the U.S. in Olympic hockey earlier today?”

Jones Says:
- “Oklahoma City stayed true to its character.  They forced turnovers and converted them in points while shooting the ball well all night.”

Keep the 3-ball Streak Alive (918 games and counting):
- The Raptors were 6 of 15 from 3PT range

Next game:
- Raptors @ Rockets – Monday March 1 2010 – 8:30pm Eastern
- Tune in at 8:00pm for the pre-game show and just after 8:30pm for the “Pizza Pizza” starting line ups

Sunday February 28 2010 – 12:43pm Central – Oklahoma City, OK

I know everybody and their uncle will be tuned in to the Canada-USA hockey game this afternoon but that game will be over by the time the Raptors and Thunder tip off tonight!  So unless you’re geeked-up for the closing ceremonies (with Joannie Rochette carrying the flag for the Canadians), check out the Bosh-less Raps; see if Toronto can get back on track after dropping two in a row (both at home) to the Blazers and Cavs.

To get you primed and ready for Rasho Nesterovic’s 5TH straight start and the excitement of watching one of the best players in the game (young or old), Kevin Durant, check out the latest VLOG:

We will not have a pre-game show tonight folks.  Jonesy and I will be on the air at 7pm Eastern – JUST before the tip of the Raps and Thunder.

Have a good one.  Go Canada!

E. Smith

Friday February 26 2010 – 10:03pm Eastern - Toronto, ON 

Cavs @ Raptors

Final Score:
126-118, Cavs in OVERTIME (Toronto now 31-26)

“Smith and Jones” Player of the Game:
MO WILLIAMS
22 points
6 assists 
2 rebounds
8/18 FG

“Alice Fazoolis” Player of the Game:
* We weren’t joined by a member of the Cavs (due to the fact that we had to get out of our broadcast ASAP for the Olympic semi-final (hockey) between Canada and Slovakia) … but if we had chatted with someone it would have been:
LEBRON JAMES
36 points
9 assists
6 rebounds
2 steals
10/17 FG
15/16 FT

Shout-out to the Raptors:
JARRETT JACK
24 points
3 rebounds
3 assists
8/14 FG

Stats that stood out:
- Points in the Paint:  50-44, Raptors
- 2nd Chance Points:  19-18, Cavs
- Fast Break Points:  30-16, Cavs
- Toronto is now 2-2 this season without Chris Bosh in the line up
- James had 20 points in the first half, 2 in the 3rd quarter, and 12 in the 4th.  He scored the last 7 points in regulation for Cleveland to send it to OT

Thumbs Up:
- Hanging tough through 4 quarters – without Bosh – against the top team in the East

Thumbs Down:
- Falling apart in overtime (getting out-scored 15-7 … with Cleveland scoring their first 9 points off three 3-balls)

Smith Says:
- “That one stings, and now Toronto will have to find a way to get at least ONE in either Oklahoma City or Houston.  They can’t slip into a 4-game losing streak.”

Jones Says:
- “Valiant effort by Toronto.  Unfortunately, the Raps couldn’t get stops – particularly in overtime.”

Keep the 3-ball Streak Alive (917 games and counting):
- The Raptors were 8 of 25 from 3PT range

Next game:
- Raptors @ Thunder – Sunday February 28 2010 – 7:00pm Eastern
- Tune in at 6:30pm for the pre-game show and just after 7:00pm for the “Pizza Pizza” starting line ups
(* NOTE:  We may see the pre-game show chopped a bit based on what happens with the Olympic Hockey gold medal game)

Missed The Rap? You can listen to it here:

Friday February 26 2010 – 1:40pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

Good News:

Shaquille O’Neal will not play tonight for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bad News:

Chris Bosh will not play tonight for the Toronto Raptors.

What is up with Bosh?  I’m sure many of you are asking the same question … and I’m sorry that I don’t have the answer for you.  I wish I did.  I – like you – thought Bosh was dealing with a “mild” ankle sprain.  I figured he’d miss a game or two at best.  I assumed he’d sit out the back-to-back (last week) against New Jersey and Washington but then return on a week’s rest for the Portland game.

Obviously I was wrong.

I’m not speculating at all here … but … I’m wondering if the injury is more serious than we all originally anticipated.  I mean, while I totally, TOTALLY understand keeping a guy out until he is 100% healthy, I’ve got to assume he’s NOT 100% healthy right now.  And after almost 10 days of rest and rehab, if he’s STILL not healthy … then this can’t be a “mild” ankle sprain, can it?

Plus, if that is the case … would Bosh come back for a back-to-back against the Thunder and Rockets on Sunday and Monday after only ONE practice on Saturday?

Tough call.

Let’s hope all the speculation is just that — speculation — and CB is ready to go in Oklahoma City this weekend.

But quickly … back to tonight …

There’s no word (yet) who will fill in for Bosh.  Jay Triano hinted that he MAY try to match what he thinks will be a “small ball” line up from the Cavs … but we’ll see if that’s the case later on today.

IF Triano does go small, I’d expect Amir Johnson to get the start.

Now just brace yourself for LeBron tonight.

E. Smith

Wednesday February 24 2010 – 10:09pm Eastern - Toronto, ON 

Blazers @ Raptors

Final Score:
101-87, Blazers (Toronto now 31-25)

“Smith and Jones” Player of the Game:
ANDRE MILLER
18 points
10 assists 
7 rebounds
3 steals
0 turnovers
8/14 FG

“Alice Fazoolis” Player of the Game:
JUWAN HOWARD
10 points
3 rebounds
2 assists
1 steal
4/7 FG
* Looked solid in the start in place of injured big man Marcus Camby (ankle)

Shout-out to the Raptors:
HEDO TURKOGLU
24 points
4 rebounds
3 assists
8/9 FG

Stats that stood out:
- Points in the Paint:  46-38, Blazers
- 2nd Chance Points:  8-7, Blazers
- Fast Break Points:  20-14, Blazers
- The Raptors had scored 100+ points in 20 straight games coming into this contest (it WAS the longest active streak in the NBA this season and a franchise record as well) 
- Toronto is now 2-1 this season without Chris Bosh in the line up
- Jose Calderon (2 for 8 FG) and Antoine Wright (1 for 7 FG) combined to go 3 of 15 from the floor for only 7 total points.  In fact, the bench overall shot 11/33 (33% FG)
- Following the loss, the “sweater record” now sits at 12-3.  Ah well!

Thumbs Up:
- Turkoglu’s performance … in spite of the loss … could be reason for optimism going forward.  We’ll see.

Thumbs Down:
- Turnovers.  16 tonight for the Raptors — and a ton early on.  On your home floor (and playing without your best player) you can’t allow that to happen.

Smith Says:
- “It’s hard to say ‘you didn’t see this coming’ with Bosh out of the line up for the Raptors and a QUALITY opponent comign to town.  But it’s the WAY Toronto lost that is/was frustrating.  Gotta get back at it — with or without Bosh — against the mighty Cavs on Friday.”

Jones Says:
- “Portland played the game at their pace and took advantage of Raptors turnovers early to build a lead they never gave up.”

Keep the 3-ball Streak Alive (916 games and counting):
- The Raptors were 7 of 20 from 3PT range

Next game:
- Cavaliers @ Raptors – Friday February 26 2010 – 7:00pm Eastern
- Tune in at 7:00pm for the “Pizza Pizza” starting line ups

Missed The Rap? You can listen to it here:

[audio:http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand/Post-Game-Raps-20100225.mp3]

Wednesday February 24 2010 – 10:07am Eastern – Toronto, ON

As the official radio station of the 2010 Olympic Games, the FAN 590 was caught in a tough spot for tonight’s evening programming schedule.

Portland Trailblazers vs Toronto Raptors at 7:00pm … or Canada vs Russia at 7:30pm?

Well, in the end, the decision was pretty easy. 

With due respect to the Raptors, more than half of the country (literally and figuratively) will be listening to and watching Canada vs Russia tonight.  It’s arguably the biggest hockey game this country has seen since 1972.  The Canucks are facing elimination on their home ice against an arch-rival.  The quest for GOLD is on the line.

The Raptors are playing game #56 of the regular season. 

If I were running the radio station … I’d make the same decision:

Canada vs Russia will be heard on the FAN. 

But it’s not like the Raptors are disappearing completely.  Our good friends at AM 900 CHML have agreed to carry the game for us.  So all of the hoop heads out there can simply turn their dial up a few more notches and listen in to the Raps and Blazers on AM 900. 

CHML is a well respected station with over 80 years of experience in Hamilton-Niagara and the GTA so we’re happy to be home on their frequency tonight!

Paul Jones and I will be on the air at 7pm and we’ll carry a mini post-game show until 10pm.

On the FAN … the Canada-Russia pre-game show gets underway at 7pm and the puck will drop right around 7:30pm

I’ll hopefully be back with more Raptors’ news later on today.

And don’t forget to tune in to “The Game Plan” from 1pm-4pm today as well.

Have a good one

E. Smith

———

UPDATE at 5:10pm

Chris Bosh will not play for the Raptors tonight – missing his third straight game with an ankle sprain.

Portland’s Marcus Camby won’t play tonight either … after rolling his ankle last night in New Jersey.

Camby will be honoured by the Raptors during tonight’s game though (another one of those “15 year anniversary” things).

There’s no official word RE: who will start in place of Bosh or Camby on their respective clubs.

———-

UPDATE at 6:19pm

Rasho Nesterovic will start in place of Chris Bosh.

Juwon Howard will start in place of Marcus Camby for Portland.

The starting line ups will looks like this:

PORTLAND
Batum
Aldridge
Howard
Roy
Miller

TORONTO
Turkoglu
Bargnani
Nesterovic
DeRozan
Jack

Don’t forget to tune in to all of the action at 7pm on AM 900 CHML.

Tuesday February 23 2010 – 6:51pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

I’ll be honest with ya … I got busy with the radio show today and did not get around to blogging.  If I have a chance to put something together before midnight (after I watch Canada vs Germany), I will. 

But in the meantime … I’ve got to give a little love to my broadcast partner, Paul Jones, who flew down to Haiti yesterday to help bring clothing, supplies, and aid to the victims of January’s terrible earthquake.

I was hoping to be on the trip myself, but the FAN is working with a skeleton crew right now — with so many of our staffers in Vancouver/Whistler — so I had to stay in Toronto and work my show with Jack.  However, word is that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment may be flying down to Haiti again some time (possibly in May or June) so I hope to be on that trip.

Check out Jonesy’s blog from www.sportsnet.ca as he shares his experience from yesterday’s 1-day jaunt:

———-

It has often been said that if life was a department store, professional sports would be the equivalent of the toy department. That being said, I am fortunate to have a job in the toy department but yesterday I had a chance to venture out and land on the ground floor where all the people that supply the essentials toil virtually unnoticed.

I spent the day in Haiti, yes just one day, and had my perspective readjusted visiting the island rocked by a major earthquake on January 12th. The flight down to the Caribbean island was organized through a partnership between Air Canada (Jetz) and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Ian Clarke, Maple Leafs Sports Executive Vice-President and CFO spearheaded what was MLSEL’s second trip to the island to aid in the relief effort while some of the Air Canada employees in its Jetz division, Jude Welch, Carl Lachelle , Gilles Charette and his wife, Jocelyne Fontaine, a nurse, have made seven separate trips to the island during the relief effort. Others passengers on the flight were corporate partners of MLSEL and were there to give their own time and effort to unload cargo and help in a small way to try and return the earthquake ravaged island back to sense of normality. The aircraft, the same one that flies the Toronto Raptors and the Toronto Maple Leafs was crammed with 9000 pounds of cargo, 6000 of it being clothing.

The perspective check started the minute we landed in the Haitian capital of Port-Au-Prince as we were greeted by Alfonso Edwards. His story is one of many encountered in Haiti where a person just felt moved to help people in need after the tragedy. Normally a 9-5 guy in the financial sector in New York City, the Manhattan native was on the other side of the island, the Domincan Republic on a holiday when the earthquake rocked Haiti. He drove over to Haiti in an effort to try and find his sister and once he successfully accomplished that mission he just decided to stay and help. Edwards has been back and forth between New York and Port-Au-Prince and is now acting to coordinate supplies that land at the airport to get them one of the hospitals that is approximately 10 minutes drive from the airport.

After unloading the airplane, we had some time as some of the corporate types headed into a local children’s shelter to deliver toys. It was then we met Private Ryan Sluss, an American Marine from Little Rock Arkansas who lived at the Marine base, actually a bunch of tents that were set up at the airport. Sluss talked about how chaotic the airport had been as the US military presence stationed there tried to keep order with incoming and outgoing flights. Sluss escorted some of us on a 10 minute walk to a hospital operated by the University of Miami where we saw first hand the difficult working conditions where medical personnel were trying to help sick and injured people. A quick tour ensued that was led by Dr. Reger, an Arizona based physician that had been there two days and was leaving Saturday. It is common for doctors, who volunteer, to be in and out after a week on the island.

The tent, where the doctors “lived” held 215 cots. We’re not talking Ritz Carlton here folks. Doctors tried to get as much rest as possible but it’s not exactly spacious. To say they are in close quarters is an understatement. When asked how he slept Reger stated, “not very well.” We saw some other parts of the “hospital” where we observed the “operating room” which was actually just another tent where surgeries are performed under less than optimal conditions. After having been in O.R. myself, it was unbelievable to think surgeries are conducted in that space. As you might expect, the hospital was crowded with people either receiving medical attention or waiting to be attended to when there was an opportunity.

In spite of it all, including another earthquake registering 4.2 on the Richter Scale that hit the morning we landed, people are trying to do their best. The biggest need we’re told is tents and blankets. They are approaching monsoon season, the rainy period of the calendar in Haiti, and many people are still sleeping in the streets. They are afraid to go back to their homes, if it’s still standing, and it is not uncommon to see Haitians sleeping in the streets without any kind of cover or shelter. The supply depot in the U of M run hospital has a trampled dusty base that will be mud when the rain hits so for them the order of the day is building shelves to store medical supplies.

One of the most touching stories was that of a resilient 12 year old boy, Carlos, who was already living with an aunt and uncle because his parents had passed away years earlier. Apparently Carlos was out at the store when the quake hit and when he returned to his home, it was gone and so were his guardians who were killed in the aftermath of the earthquake. Thankfully one of the organizations Partners in Health has recently made arrangements to care for him as he will now be fed and educated with plans being made for his future.

There is another prominent Montreal based association, One by One, (http://www.onexone.org/) that is taking part in the relief effort that is working diligently to help children in need.

It was a moving day to say the least. My perspective has once again been jolted back to where it should be. But it has also restored my faith in the altruistic nature of the human race. If you haven’t done anything as yet to help, there is still time, it’s never too late and no deed no matter how small some deem it, would ever be wasted in this effort.

———- 

You can see this article (with a picture) on the original link right here:  http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/2010/02/23/jones_haiti_relief/

Have a good one folks.

E. Smith

Monday February 22 2010 – 9:08pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

Throughout the week(s), I do enough “number crunching” with the Toronto Raptors that I often forget to focus in on the LEAGUE as well.  So on a bit of a slower night in the Association — and in the Olympics as well — I thought I’d take a look around the NBA at some key stats and “stories” that are unfolding.

JAX AND THE CATS

This first one goes out to my man “Thomas” … who has magically disappeared from the blogs since calling me out for stating that the Raptors are better than the Bobcats.  Charlotte is 8th in the East – sitting at .500 (27-27) – but I’m sure we’ll hear from Thomas again when the Cats go on another surge.  And IF a winning streak is indeed on the horizon, it will likely be led by Stephen Jackson.

Jackson has scored at least 20 points in nine of his last 11 games. During the stretch, he is averaging 26.0 points on .491 shooting, including .433 from beyond the three-point line.

BULLISH

Let’s not forget about the red-hot Bulls as well.  Heading into tonight’s action (playing @ Washington), Chicago has won 4 in a row and they’re climbing the ranks in the East.  In spite of some bold moves at the deadly (trading away Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons in separate deals, Vinny D’s boys have stayed aggressive and focused.   And they’re out-hustling many teams on most nights.

Chicago leads the NBA in rebounds with an average of 45.7 boards per game.  In fact, over the team’s last 26 games, the Bulls have outrebounded their opponents 17 times.  During that 26-game stretch, Chicago has outrebounded its opponents 1224-1141 and has topped 50 or more rebounds 10 times, including a season-high 54 versus Orlando on Jan. 2.

Further to that TEAM success, sophomore point guard Derrick Rose has joined an elite class this year.   During the 2009-2010 season, only Rose, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul are averaging at least 19.5 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds.

TO THE POINT

Speaking of point guards …

Let’s look at one “old” and one “new” who are both tearing it up in the Western Conference …

Veteran Jason Kidd has clearly found the fountain of youth of late.  Over his past 4 games, the Dallas guard is averaging 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 3.8 steals, 2.0 turnovers and 39.1 minutes (and the Mavs are 3-1 over those 4 games as well.

Meanwhile, New Orleans’ Darren Collison has averaged 24.0 points over his last six games (including a triple-double against Indiana as well), matching Chris Paul’s scoring average in his last seven games before suffering the left knee injury that currently has him sidelined.

QUICK HITS

- Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant has scored at least 25 points in 28 consecutive games.

- Phoenix’s Steve Nash recorded 17 assists in last night’s 104-88 win over the Kings.  It was the 33rd time in his career that Nash tallied 17 or more assists in a game, tying Kevin Johnson for the sixth highest total in NBA history.

- Over the last 8 games with the Wizards (not including tonight), Mike Miller has connected on 21-of-28 (.750) three-point attempts, to increase his season percentage from three-point range to .568 … good for #1 overall in the NBA.  Miller is a career .403 three-point shooter.

RECORD SETTERS

- Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant needs 34 points to move into 13th place on the all-time scoring list. Reggie Miller (25,2792) is currently holding down the 13th spot.

- Cavaliers’ center Shaquille O’Neal needs 31 rebounds to move passed Jerry Lucas (12,942) for 13th on the all-time rebounding list.

Alright, back to some Olympic viewing now.

I’ll check in with more RAPTOR-specific stuff tomorrow.

Have a good one.

E. Smith

Sunday February 21 2010 – 10:35pm Eastern – Toronto, ON 

I know this is a basketball blog … but let me use hockey as a springboard for a couple of quick roundball thoughts …

Forget about the fact that I was on the record (with plenty of witnesses) saying that Roberto Luongo should have started against the Americans, not Martin Brodeur. 

Forget about the fact that Brodeur played reckless at times and was sloppy with the puck. 

Forget about the fact that Canada was absolutely stymied by the best goalie in the NHL this year, Ryan Miller.

Forget about the fact that the Americans were better on the draw and on the power play (and they got a SWEET, aggressive empty-net goal as well) … and deserved their well-earned 5-3 win over the Canadians …

This loss for Canada sets up a potentially ugly summer for Canadian BASKETBALL fans.

Why?

Well, it’s all based on a IFS and BUTS right now …

But if Canada either (a) loses to Germany in the qualification game, or (b) beats Germany in the qualification game but then loses to Russia in the quarter finals … we’re due for ANOTHER “summit” on the “state of the game” in Canada.  I can feel it. 

And if that happens … hoop fans can forget about seeing anything related to the NBA in the papers or on the highlight shows until the 2010-2011 season starts in late October. 

Chris Bosh could re-sign with Toronto, change his citizenship to Canadian, and announce that he’s suiting up for Leo Rautins and Team Canada at the World Championships in Turkey, but if there’s a hockey summit going on … Bosh MIGHT get a mention before the massage ads in the Classifieds section. 

The New York Knicks could announce the signings of Bosh, LeBron James, AND Dwyane Wade … but if the hockey heads are meeting to figure out our ‘future’ as a country, you’ll have a better chance hearing about the moves in Gotham via the banner on the back of some small Cessna.

So even if you’re not a hockey fan, cheer loudly for the Canadians against Germany on Tuesday.  And if the Canucks get by the Germans, cheer even louder when the Russians hit the ice.  We – as basketball fans; as sports’ fans – NEED Canada to win the gold (or at least get one of the medals) to preserve our sanity and our varied sports’ interests in this country!

E. Smith

Saturday February 20 2010 – 10:57pm Eastern - Toronto, ON 

Wizards @ Raptors

Final Score:
109-104, Raptors (Toronto now 31-24)

“Smith and Jones” Player of the Game:
JARRETT JACK
23 points
8 assists 
4 rebounds
6/9 FG (including 3/4 from 3PT)
8/8 FT

“Alice Fazoolis” Player of the Game:
ANTOINE WRIGHT
19 points (*season high)
4 rebounds
2 assists
2 steals
7/10 FG (including 3/3 from 3PT)

Shout-out to the Wizards:
ANDRAY BLATCHE
24 points
6 rebounds
3 assists
2 blocks
11/21 FG

Stats that stood out:
- Points in the Paint:  44-40, Toronto
- 2nd Chance Points:  23-7, Washington
- Fast Break Points:  20-11, Washington
- The Raptors have now recorded their 20th straight game of 100 or more points. It’s the longest active streak in the NBA and the longest in franchise history as well.
- 11 of Jack’s 23 points came in the 4th quarter
- Andrea Bargnani had 3 blocks in the 4th quarter (and finished with 4 blocks, 18 points, and 6 rebounds)
- Down 10 points, Toronto used an 18-3 run midway through the 4th quarter to get themselves back into the game

Thumbs Up:
- The crowd.  Period.  19,149 (just shy of a sellout) were ROCKIN’ at the ACC.  This was the best crowd the Raps have had all year — and it came during the first Saturday night HOME game in 9 years.  Basketball Night in Canada!

Thumbs Down:
- The 3rd quarter defence (allowing Washington to go on a 20-6 run at one point) nearly let this game get out of hand – and get away from Toronto!

Smith Says:
- “There may have been some ugly points tonight – and last night too – but anytime you can get back to back wins without your best player in the line up, you’ll take it.  And how ’bout Jarrett Jack!  What a spark plug down the stretch.”

Jones Says:
- “It was a good ‘character win’ for Toronto tonight.  Although they gave up a 10-point lead, the Raps made hustle plays down the stretch to earn the victory.”

Keep the 3-ball Streak Alive (915 games and counting):
- The Raptors were 7 of 13 from 3PT range

Next game:
- Blazers @ Raptors – Wednesday February 24 2010 – 7:00pm Eastern
- Tune in at 7:00pm for the “Pizza Pizza” starting line ups

Missed The Rap? You can listen to it here:

[audio:http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand/rap-fan-20100220.mp3]