<div align="center"> <span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#c8362d"><span style="font-family:Impact">Toronto</span> </span></span><span style="color:#c8362d">(3-1)</span> vs. <span style="color:#CE364F"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><span style="font-family:Impact">Atlanta</span></span></span> <span style="color:#CE364F">(3-0)</span> </div> <div align="center"> When: Friday November 7th, 2008 @ 7:00PM EST Where: Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA TV/Radio: TSN, FAN 590 </div> <span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><div align="center"> <span style="font-family:Impact"><u>THOUGHTS ON THE GAME</u></span></div></span> This could be as much a statement game as we all thought the Detroit one was. As excited as we've all been about our great start, the fact is that any team in the NBA is capable of rattling off a three game win streak (especially if they're facing teams like Milwaukee or a depleted Golden State). The Raptors did a great job of sticking it to the Pistons Wednesday night and showing that they won't roll over like in the past. But showing up for the game after a loss, is just as important IMO. These Hawks aren't an easy team. They surprised everyone by taking Boston to 7 games in last year's playoffs and they've started this season 3-0 (beating quality teams as well). We'll have to learn from the Hornets' example, and not take this game for granted. Beating Atlanta on the road after a loss to Detroit, will be the best way to show we're not an early season fluke. Except for that 1 and a half quarter stretch against the Pistons, the Raptors have done a very good job of controlling the tempo with their defense and preventing athletic fast-break teams from running all over them. Atlanta might be one of the best teams at that style of play, so controlling the pace will that much more difficult tonight. We want this team to run halfcourt sets, because it nullifies the strength of most of their best players. To do that, we have to focus on getting on the boards, not taking quick shots on offense, and getting back on D. <span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Impact"><u>STARTING LINEUPS</u></span></div></span> <div align="center"> <span style="color:#c8362d">Jose Calderon - Anthony Parker - Jamario Moon - Chris Bosh - Jermaine O'Neal</span> <span style="color:#CE364F">Mike Bibby - Joe Johnson - Marvin Williams - Josh Smith - Al Horford</span></div> <span style="font-family:Impact"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><div align="center"><u>KEY MATCHUP</u></div></span></span> <div align="center"> <span style="color:#c8362d">Chris Bosh</span> vs. <span style="color:#CE364F">Josh Smith</span></div> I'm not so sure how connected these two players will be. They're listed at the same position, but we all know the game entirely different and may not be matched up against each other. I wanted to highlight Josh Smith, though, because he represents an overarching challenge that this Hawks lineup presents. This is a fast, extremely athletic team that crashes the boards better than any other team in the league. Their shooting guard right up to their center all have the size and length to get on the boards, and this must worrisome for a Raptors team that still hasn't fixed up its rebounding. Our defense has improved, but every single one of our players has to dedicate himself to getting those loose balls and preventing the Hawks from getting second and third possessions. <div align="center"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><span style="font-family:Impact"><u>LEO RAUTINS' INSIGHTFUL THOUGHT OF THE DAY</u></span></span></div>
I put the spotlight on Josh Smith, but Joe Johnson's also played extremely good so far, leading the league in scoring. Anthony Parker will have his work cut out for him. I don't know about everybody else, but I still think Bas should post the girl. Win or loss, he finds the hottest of the hot.
As much as I'd LOVE to, I'm at school all day. Someone else needs to, but i will for Sunday and Monday.
Jamario Moon officially pisses me off any time he has the ball. How is our shittiest shooter our biggest chucker? It boggles the mind!
The Raps have picked up their D and their making easier buckets though. 17-11 Atlanta. AP's been creating with his shooting and passing.
Our bigs dominate their bigs. Their wings dominate our wings. They're beating us right now because we've turned the ball over and have let them make it a fast-paced game.
I loved how the team came out of the timeout. They slowed the tempo into halfcourt sets. And that's when we're most effective. 40-36.
B.S. tech on Bosh. Those were friggin' fouls. What the hell do you expect when you swallow your whistles, refs?
Is anybody else getting a pisspoor feed from TSN? Its all choppy and unwatchable. I'm not even going to try unless its fixed sometime soon.
