Orlando Magic- 125
Toronto Raptors- 116
Did they play well, or did they not play well, that does seem to be the question. Either way, they did not play well enough because they lost but overall the Raptors did what they wanted to do to the Orlando Magic, almost.
The Raptors are going to be a team that scores points, that is not the concern. The concern is defense, and whether or not the team can play any, or just enough to win. In response to this query Jay Triano implemented a system that predicates itself on packing the paint, making sure the opposing team shoots a low field goal percentage, and take your chances contesting 3 point shots.
The Raptors stuck to that game plan Sunday afternoon and achieved almost all that criterion, but still ended up on the loosing end. They scored points (116 on 54.1% from the field), packed the paint and held the Magic to a low field goal percentage (43.9%), and took their chances giving up the long ball and it backfired (17 made 3 point shots). Early in the game the Raptors were late on their rotations and for the second straight game came out flat and let the first quarter decide the game.
The Good
The Offense
Over the last 3 games the Raptors' point totals are as follows: 101, 107, 116. So they are improving in certain areas (unfortunately the opposing point totals are exponentially higher). The Raptors shot 54 % field goal percentage and 59 % 3 point field goal percentage and if you give just about any team in the league that kind of offensive production they would take it and believe hole heartedly they would win.
The big 3 (our version) are clicking and firing on all cylinders, Bosh (who is having another MVP start to a season) had 35 points and 16 rebounds, Bargnani had a bounce back half and finished with 26 points and Turkoglu was hot especially in the second half finishing with 19 points on 8-13 shooting.
The Bad
Defense/System
The biggest concern at this point has to be the fact that they talent is carrying out the coaches requests and playing the system that has been implemented and not only is it not working, it is killing them.
One could make the case that the defense hasn't been very good, and the rotations and intensity have to be better. The fact is, the Raptors offense was very good, their defensive objectives were fulfilled and they still lost in what was not even really a close game.
Even if the system will/could/should work the fact that it isn't right now is a major problem because at some point the players are not going trust each other on defense, and as a result, will stop trusting the coaches, or adhering to their will.
The season is only three games in length so far, and all these concerns could be nullified with a few wins but allowing a team that was down three of their best players (Carter, Lewis, Pietrus) to come into your own building and beat you with career nights from Redick and Anderson is not going to help.
Point Guards
Something that is abundantly clear is that opposing teams know the way to attack the Raptors defense is to attack Jose Calderon. Jameer Nelson said after the game that during every time out his coaches and teammates were not only encouraging him, but begging to keep attacking and looking to shoot, because in essence, it worked every time.
We know that Jose does not excel on the defensive end but what has made him so good has been his offensive efficiency. Well on the year he is shooting under 40% from the field and is 1-7 from the 3 point line. This has to change or Jose is nothing but a talking bobble head full of shit and vinegar. The 3 point shooting is especially key, because it will blow open the door most nights if he can hit the open 3.
Jarrett Jack has been even more ineffective on offense. He is shooting a blistering 33% from the field and a sexy 12% from downtown. Jack has been adequate on the defensive end but even his offensive decision making has been inept. He had 4 turnovers Sunday (compared to 2 assists) and 2 of the turnovers were at key times at the end of the game.
The Outlook
The boys in red will now have a few days on the practice court to try to clear up the problems that have been shown over the first 3 games. They play one more home game on Wednesday versus Detroit then they go out west to play the also tough Texas teams.
Jay Triano has to find some way to get these guys motivated and ready. The key will be to get off to a good start early Wednesday night and try to head into the road trip even (2 wins, 2 losses) and give the guys some confidence, especially at the defensive end.
- J.Moore
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