Archive for February, 2012
That’s LINcredible
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Wednesday February 15 2012 – 2:36am Eastern – Toronto, ON
Paul Jones and Eric Smith break down a WILD night at the ACC last night; heroics from the Knicks and poster-boy-of-the-moment, Jeremy Lin.
Game highlights:
Iman Shumpert – post game interview on the FAN w/ Smith and Jones:
“The Rap” post game show (10pm-11pm with phone-ins, etc (with Smith and Jones)):
We’ll be back on the air later tonight for the tip-off of the Raptors and Spurts. 7pm tip off on Sportsnet 590 the FAN. Full post-game coverage on “The Rap” ’til 11pm.
Have a good one folks.
E. Smith
VaLINtine’s Day
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
Jeremy Lin, the bit part in Golden State that was picked up off the scrap heap by the Knicks and nearly dumped by New York before Mike D’Antoni gave the Harvard grad a last-ditch chance, brings his Gotham City crew to town with 5 wins in a row.
It remains to be seen how Lin will perform when asked to run the offence WITH Amare Stoudemire and/or Carmelo Anthony … but for now there’s no denying the numbers he has posted while shocking the NBA world and taking the basketball community and fan base by storm:
LIN AS A STARTER:
Games – 4
Points – 27.2
Assists – 8.2
Rebounds – 4.0
Steals – 2.0
FG% – 51.3
As wild as it may be, Lin’s first four games as a STARTER in the NBA puts him atop a very impressive list of elite NBA’ers over the past 35 years (including some Hall of Famers):
Most TOTAL POINTS in first 4 career STARTS since 1976-77:
Jeremy Lin – 109
Allen Iverson – 101
Shaquille O’Neal – 100
Michael Jordan – 99
Billy Ray Bates – 99
Jerry Stackhouse – 97
—–
Lin’s totals would be even more impressive if they included his first game of significance with the Knicks…..the one that started-off this 5-game winning streak. Lin played 35:52 minutes — but did NOT start — against New Jersey on February 4. He tallied 25 points on 10/19 FG that night, including 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. D’Antoni started the California-native for the first time two nights later (against Utah) and the rest is history (as documented above).
LIN’S LINE:
Feb. 11 @ MIN (100-98 win) – 20 PTS, 8 ASST, 6 REB, 3 STL, 6 TO
Feb. 10 vs LAL (92-85 win) – 38 PTS, 7 ASST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 6 TO
Feb. 8 @ WAS (107-93 win) – 23 PTS, 10 ASST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 2 TO
Feb. 6 vs UTH (99-88 win) – 28 PTS, 8 ASST, 2 REB, 2 STL, 8 TO
Feb. 4 vs NJ (99-92 win) – 25 PTS, 7 ASST, 5 REB, 2 STL, 1 TO * (did not start)
Prior to this igniting this 5-game winning streak, Lin appeared in 9 games for the Knicks…playing less than 5 minutes in five of those games…peaking in 1 contest at 20:10 minutes and TOTALING (in those 9 games) less than 55 minutes.
E. Smith
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* Thanks to TV stats guru, Jumpin’ Johnny Rusin – for his help with some of these numbers!
Thrilling, Dramatic, Controversial
Sunday, February 12th, 2012
Sunday February 12 2012 – 6:26pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
What a wild day at the ACC.
From a 70% 1st QRT for the Lakers (and an 18-point lead) … to a 4-point Raptors lead late in the 4th … to Kobe Bryant heroics and a rare 5-second violation on an in-bound pass that altered the outcome too!
Jonesy and I break it down in our latest video recap:
Be sure to leave your thoughts on the game – and “The Call” – in the COMMENTS section below. For what it’s worth…the replays that I’ve seen seem to confirm what official, Scott Foster, saw as well.
We’re back on the air on Tuesday at 7pm for LINsanity — Knicks vs Raptors.
Have a good one folks.
E. Smith
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Game Highlights – LAKERS vs RAPTORS
Steve Blake – post game interview from the floor of the ACC
The Rap – post game from the Real Sports Apparel store
Raptor Revenge
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Friday February 10 2012 – 10:55pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
The Raptors finally got the Celtic monkey off their back…beating the boys from Beantown for the first time this season, 86-74.
This was also the first time in 6 games that Toronto has beaten Boston.
Paul Jones and I break it all down in our latest VLOG:
Post game audio:
Game highlights:
Raptors forward, James Johnson post game interview:
“The Rap” post game show for Real Sports:
The Raptors led from beginning to end against the Celtics … and they’ll have to bring that same kind of effort from the get-go against the Lakers on Sunday as well.
We’ll be on the air for LA and Toronto on Sunday at 1230pm (pre-game show) and we’ll have the tip-off just after 1pm
Have a good one folks.
E. Smith
Game Day vs Boston
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Friday February 10 2012 – 11:47am Eastern – Toronto, ON
Coffee Shop bloggin’ near U of T on a game day…
The Celtics are playing on the back-to-back following last night’s loss (at home) against the LA Lakers. While the Raptors had the day ‘off’ (they did practice) yesterday after their loss to Milwaukee at the ACC on Wednesday.
With the help of stats guru John Rusin, let’s take a look at some of the key storylines surrounging Toronto as they get set to host Boston.
Raptors vs Boston – This Season
BOS TOR
PPG 98.0 68.5
FG% 50.0 35.9
3PT FG% 45.0 34.5
REB 45.5 38.5
ASST 25.5 14.0
TOs 11.5 16.0
There’s no denying the Raptors have struggled mightily this season without Andrea Bargnani in the line up … but with Jerryd Bayless now sidelined (again) with a left ankle injury … how do you think T.O. has faired without BOTH Bargnani and Bayless in uniform? Well, here ya go:
Record – 0-5
PPG – 79.0
FG% – 39.1
Opp FG% – 27.5
FT% – 67.9
Finally…a little more on the CELTICS specifically for tonight …
We all remember how bad Boston was when the season began. Doc Rivers’ crew came out of the gate very slowly and looked to be showing their age, big-time. But even with Rajon Rondo sidelined for a couple of weeks, the Celts were able to turn things around and get their season back on track. The window on the original Big Three (Pierce, Allen, and Garnett) is still closing but the boys from Beantown are holding down a playoff position right now and looking for one last chance at a Championship.
1st 14 GM Last 11
Record 5-9 9-2
PPG 88.8 92.9
Opp PPG 90.1 82.1
FG% 44.7 47.1
Opp FG% 43.4 39.4
Pierce PPG 14.6 22.2
Paul Jones and I will be on the air at 7pm tonight with all of the action. And we’ll stay on the Sportsnet 590 airwaves til 11pm with full post-game coverage (and your phone calls) on “The Rap”.
Have a good one!
E. Smith
MY All Star Reserves
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
Thursday February 9 2012 – 5:59pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
Guards
Russell Westbrook (OKC)- No-brainer. I would have had him STARTING (alongside Kobe Bryant) instead of Chris Paul. But many say it’s a greater honour to be voted-in by the coaches instead of the fans…so there ya have it!
Steve Nash (PHX) – The Suns may not be great as a TEAM this year but they’d be even worse with Nash. And for a guy who is knocking on the door of 40 to be leading the league in assists still…you’ve got to give him some love.
Forwards
LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) – Another player who could have easily started for the West, Aldridge has become one of the premier big men in the game and he’s carrying the Blazers through a solid season in spite of the early retirement of one-time running mate, Brandon Roy.
Kevin Love (MIN) – Again, record be damned, Love is an absolute monster on the glass and his offensive versatility is impressive as well. He’s not a guy padding stats on a bad/average team; he’s a legit star.
Marc Gasol (MEM) - Can I say it again: Could have / should have been a starter (maybe). Charles and Shaq may argue over Andrew Bynum vs Dwight Howard as the best big man in the game, but I’d say the conversation should be centered (no pun intended) around Howard and GASOL. The Spainard is the best centre in the West.
Wild Cards
Paul Millsap (UTH) - This is a pick ‘em. Millsap’s numbers are all-but-identical to teammate Al Jefferson’s. But I give Millsap the nod ’cause he’s played a few more games and he’s doing his damage – at this level – as a guy that came in the 2nd round! He has climbed a higher hill and he deserves some love.
Tony Parker (SAN) - He’s averaging a hair under 19 PPG (2nd best scoring total in his career) and a career-best 7.7 assists for the 18-9 Spurs. San Antonio is currently 2nd in the West and NEEDS to have an All Star from their squad.
EASTERN CONFERENCE – RESERVES
Guards
Joe Johnson (ATL)- I’ve been singing the praises of Josh Smith (see below) but there’s no denying the consistent scoring of the Hawks’ go-to guy. Johnson also gets the nod by default in some senses too…as I can’t come up with anyone more deserving (Deron Williams? No.)
Rajon Rondo (BOS)- Much like Johnson, Rondo gets this slot by proxy in a way. He has only played in 16 games entering action tonight. So I’m going under the assumption that his ‘numbers’ would have been as gaudy – if not better – had he played all/most of the season. And the East is so thin in true ALL STAR depth at the point or at SG that Rondo seems like the best and most logical choice.
Forwards
Paul Pierce (BOS) – He just keeps on tickin’. Whether its NBA ranks or Celtics’ franchise record books, ‘The Truth’ continues to show the league how good he is…even in his twilight years. With Rondo sidelined and Ray Allen missing some time as well, Pierce’s potency and leadership keep Boston going and got them turned around and above .500
Chris Bosh (MIA)- Some would argue (and I see the point) that the Heat could be as good – and maybe better – with Bosh and LeBron James OR Bosh and Dwyane Wade; a solid combo of 2 guys…instead of ‘The Big 3′. Bosh is hovering just below 20 PPG and shooting over 50% from the floor. Though still in the spotlight of his higher-profile teammates, CB1 is a power forward that is second-to-few in the league…let alone in the East.
Centre
Roy Hibbert (IND)- Much like the Spurs in the West, the Pacers have played so well that you can’t let them get shut out of the All Star festivities. But Danny Granger would be the only one I’d give consideration to and Hibbert has been that much better / impactful than his teammate. After Howard in Orlando, name me a better centre (a TRUE centre) than Mr. Hibbert? I’m sure he leaves many teams (especially Toronto?) shaking their heads at night for letting him slide in the Draft.
Wild Cards
Josh Smith (ATL) - When Al Horford went down for the Hawks, many folks wondered where the rebounding and size up front would come from. Though there has been a committee of bigs to share the load, Josh Smith has taken a good chunk of the load. His scoring has dropped slightly but he’s posting a career-best 8.9 rebounds pre game and still blocking 2+ shots per night as well. Plus, he has matured as a person and player, period.
Brandon Jennings (MIL)- His showing in Toronto on Wednesday didn’t do him any favours but if you go by the ‘every-guy-has-an-off-night-every-so-often’ mentality…I’ll award Jennings a gimmie. Career-highs in PPG and FG% help his cause…as does the fact that he’ll have to put his team on his back with the season-ending injury to Andrew Bogut. From Italy to the All Star game, Jennings, like Hibbert, has many folks shaking their heads.
* OF NOTE: The Philadelphia 76ers may be THE story of the NBA this season. And though I was able to find some love for the Spurs and Pacers (teams with similar records, etc) … I just can’t justify ONE guy from the Sixers. They are truly a ‘team’ in the purest sense of the word. Many may point to Andre Igoudala as a popular choice but I’d argue that Jrue Holiday, Lou Williams, and Thaddeus Young are as important to Doug Collins and his coaching staff.
Will Ferrell Takes Over New Orleans
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
Thursday February 9 2012 – 11:07am Eastern – Toronto, ON
If you haven’t had a chance to see this yet … you’ve got to check out actor Will Ferrell announcing the player intros last night in New Orleans (Bulls vs Hornets).
Classic Ferrell.
Ferrell and fellow actor Jason Sudekis are in the Crescent City filming the movie “Dog Fight” (about two South Carolina politicians with presidential aspirations). Zach Galifianakis will star in the flick as well.
We’ll get back to Raptor-related matters — and some NBA All Star chatter (reserves) — later in the day.
Have a good one folks!
E. Smith
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* Don’t forget to tune in to the HOOPS show tonight at 7pm on Sportsnet 590 the FAN.
Raps Can’t Buck The Trend
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
Wednesday February 8 2012 – 11:41pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
The Raptors kicked off a 7-game home stand with a frustrating 105-99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Toronto’s defence was AWOL for the first half and their offence struggle for most of the game … and though a back-and-forth battled played out for most of the evening, the ‘issues’ on both ends of the floor finally caught up to T.O. in the end.
Paul Jones and I break it all down in our latest recap:
Toronto has now dropped 3 in a row and 5 of the last 6.
We’ll be back on the air at 7pm tomorrow with “HOOPS” and then return to the airwaves on Friday at 7pm for the Raptors and Celtics at the ACC.
Have a good one folks.
E. Smith
Game Day vs Milwaukee
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
Wednesday February 8 2012 – 3:11pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
After beginning the season with 17 of their first 26 games on the ROAD, the Raptors will finally enjoy some home cookin’ – beginning tonight – with 7 straight games at the ACC over the next three weeks. This stretch matches the longest home-stand in franchise history (previously done in 1999).
Tonight vs Milwaukee
Friday vs Boston
Sunday vs LA Lakers
Tuesday vs New York
Next Wed vs San Antonio
Feb 17 vs Charlotte
Feb 22 vs Detroit
Toronto – along with Cleveland and Indiana – has played the fewest number of home games in the NBA thus far (9). Only Charlotte and New Orleans (2) have won fewer home games than the Raptors (3). New Jersey has won only 3 on their home floor as well (3-8 vs the Raptors’ 3-6).
This home stretch won’t be easy for the Raptors…with games against the Celtics, Lakers, and Spurs coming up and though the Bucks are only 10-14 right now, they’re currently holding down the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference and they’re led by a dynamic young point guard that should be an All Star this season:
Brandon Jennings
Points FG%
2009-10 15.5 37.1
2010-11 16.2 39.0
2011-12 19.2 43.1
Slowing down Milwaukee and finding success on this home-stand — as it has all season for Toronto — will largely depend on the defensive effort that Dwane Casey’s crew turns in. And if the first 26 games are any indication, good things MAY be in store (in spite of TO’s well-below-average 8-18 record):
PPG allowed – 13th (vs 26th overall last year)
Opp FG% – 8th (vs 29th overall last year)
Opp 3PT FG% – 12th (vs 28th (tied) last year)
Opp Points in Paint – 1st (vs 30th overall last year)
Paul Jones and I will be on the air at 7pm tonight with all of the action and we’ll stay on the airwaves ’til 11pm with full post-game coverage on “The Rap”.
Have a good one folks
E. Smith
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* Thanks to Raptors TV stat-man John Rusin for his help with some of these numbers.
Raptors Lose In Overtime
Monday, February 6th, 2012
Monday February 6 2012 – 11:17pm Eastern – Washington, DC
The stretch of “17 out of 26″ is now over for the Raptors … and it’s time for a little home-cooking!
But, that said, Toronto is sort of stumbling into its 7-game home-stand following a 111-108 loss to the Washington Wizards.
The Raps have now lost 4 of their last 5 games and Dwane Casey called tonight’s 1st half against the Wiz “unprofessional” — in terms of T.O.’s effort and intensity.
Paul Jones and I broke it all down in our latest video recap:
Toronto’s 7-game home stand begins against the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 8; with the club not leaving town until Feb. 27!
Have a good one folks
E. Smith
Game Highlights from TOR @ WAS
Jordan Crawford – post game interview on Sportsnet 590 the FAN
SN 590
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