Raptors @ Cavaliers <font color="Purple">This is the place to talk about the game from Toronto's perspective. Of course all thoughts, comments, and posts relating to the game are welcome but if you wish to discuss Cleveland you can also go to the following forum -</font>Cav?s Game Thread Toronto Raptors (12-8) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (5-15) Tuesday, December 9th, 7:00 pm EST Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH TV: TSN,NBALP Previous Game Raptors 108 - Sonics 98 Cavaliers 95 - Hawks 85 Streaks Toronto: Won 4 Cleveland: Won 1 VS Head Coaches Kevin O'Neill/Paul Silas Probable Starters Jalen Rose/LeBron James Alvin Williams/Ricky Davis Vince Carter/Ira Newble Donyell Marshall/ Carlos Boozer Chris Bosh/ Zydrunas Ilgauskas 6th Men Morris Peterson/Darius Miles Players To Watch: 2 Top 5 Picks Chris Bosh/LeBron James Bosh: 11.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.65 blocks James: 16.6 points, 6.90 rebounds, 6.4 assists Fast Fact The Raptors are 4-0 since making the trade to acquire Jalen Rose, Donyell Marshall, and Lonny Baxter. Injury Lists Cleveland Cavaliers Dajuan Wagner Bruno Sundov DeSagana Diop - out Toronto Raptors Michael Bradley Eric Montross Sandman's Keys To The Game Toronto - Pick and rolls! The Cavaliers don't defend them very well, often getting mixed up on rotations and at times moving under the screen to give the ball handler a wide open look from deep. If I am Donyell Marshall, I look to move around that 3 point line just too keep Boozer out of the paint. Cleveland - Chris Bosh has a very slim frame and would not be able to handle Ilgauskas inside. I dump it to Big Z early and often to take advantage of that matchup. Ira Newble will have his hands full with Vince Carter, who is healthy and playing all-star basketball once again. Ira must make him take jumpers with a hand in his face, as well as stop Vince from penetrating to the basket. Carlos Boozer loves to rebound, but Donyell Marshall can shoot the rock, so he will have to stay on him at the perimeter at all times. The Sandman's Take The trade has put new life into the Raptors and they have been playing very well of late. I am sure the Cavs will keep it close as they do with everybody, but I must go withe the Raps in this one, as they will show more heart and will to win on both sides of the basketball. How High's View It has been well documented that the Raptors have been playing well since the trade and I?m looking for that to continue. All through the line-up new energy has been generated. Rose has been solid at the point and Alvin seems to be doing well at the two, while Marshall and Bosh have been great. More than anything the trade has given Vince some breathing room allowing him to play smart and the result has been the Raptors winning their last 4 games. The Raptors can not be allowed to underestimate the Cavs and Coach O'Neill will make sure that his team shows up ready to play. The Key difference between the Raptors and the Cavs comes down to their fourth quarter play. The Raptors have not given up at the end of games and have some "Ws" to show for it. Cleveland on the other hand has kept games tight until the fourth at which point youth (and the opposing team) take over. The Raptors are exciting to watch again and anywhere LeBron goes excitement follows, so this should be an interesting game. This will be the first meeting between these two teams as their preseason game in Newfoundland was canceled due to poor court conditions. Fans should be treated to some highlight reel material but ultimately I think that the Raptors will take this one extending their streak to 5. Raptors by 7 Thank you Sandman!(Please Visit the Cavs' Forum) <font size="1"><font color="blue">Please visit NBA.com</font></font>
we gonna get worked on the boards. if donyell and bosh can block out and keep carlos and the ill ga-ga off the glass, we should win.
Marshall must shoot that jump shot to keep Boozer out of the paint. I am sure that will be part of the plan, though the Cavs are the best rebounding team in the NBA. Not sure what else to say, it's my preview, lol! <font size="1">PS: In my forum you can post on either side, thats how it always will be...as long as you don't say something stupid of course </font>
I like the matchup od Lebron vs Jalen two 6'8 point guards. Bosh will want to prove something for sure. Im sure Vince wants to show Lebron some things too.
Many people have been saying that Bosh will not be able to hold his own against a legit Center but so far he's been surprising people almost every game. We'll see how he holds up against Z.
I have seen Ilgauskas score against every center over his career, and lets not forget about his size 7'3", 260 lbs. He can shoot it from 17, has a fade away, nice scoop shots, hooks with either hand. Z will hold his own with Bosh, I know you guys can be mature enough to understand that I am not "hatin'" on the kid. The Cavs tend to not give it to him as much as the game goes on, which is a huge mistake.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">fullstory] A really big test awaits Raps rookie By FRANK ZICARELLI -- Toronto Sun All the hype aside, what looms as one of Chris Bosh's most daunting assignments has nothing to do with LeBron James or any early season rookie-of-the-year propaganda. When the Raptors and Cavaliers tip off tonight in Cleveland, Bosh will be staring up at 7-foot-3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas, an all-star last season. As good as Bosh has looked and played as a rookie, he has struggled against bangers on the block, guys who have legitimate post skills who can put a body on Bosh and prevent him from gaining his spot in the paint. "This is definitely going to be a good challenge," Bosh said of the matchup with Ilgauskas. "They like to stick it to him early and often and he gets off a lot of shots. "I'm up for the challenge but I have no choice."</div> It would be foolish to think that anyone was "hattin'" by saying that Z is going to be a tough challenge for Bosh. Bosh will be giving up size and experience in his match-up tonight. Still he has shown an incredible amount of resistance so far this season. Even that however may not be enough for him to prevail in the battle down low. Like it or not this was A.D.'s job. Banggin' with the big boys was what he did best. Until the Raptors find another capable big body, Bosh will be exposed. Still I'm holding out that he has a trick or two up his sleeve. He?s quick, composed, fast and has his team backing him up. It?s not ideal but since the Cavs don?t seem intent on using Z to full effect for entire games it doesn?t have to be.
* a big key to this game is slow it down! the Cavs aren't a good halfcourt offensive team .. * Zone defence will be very usefull against Clevland .. although KO doesn't use much .. but it really can cause problems for the Cavs ! * Post up Vince ! .. there's no way Ira Newble nor Ricky Davis nor Darius Miles can take Vince !
Post up Vince on Newble? Ira likes contact and is starting because of his defense* Vince will have to use that first step on Ira. You are right though, slow it down and play a zone.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting B-Ball215:</div><div class="quote_post">Was Rick Brunson activated because he isn't on the IL anymore? Go Raptors!</div> I think he was waived....
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ObieCent:</div><div class="quote_post">I think he was waived....</div> he got released Raptors management
the first half is already in the books and we're down by three ( 51-48) great offence from both teams .. but they seemed lost on defence .. espicially us ! Cavs are shooting 52 % .. leaded by Ira Newble and Illgauskas with 9 per each Raptors are shooting 50 % as well .. leaded by Danyoll Marshall and Vince Carter with 10 points each .. Play Of The Half : Alvin with a NO-LOOK pass to vince who made a sick reverse lay up Bright Side : * Moiso played productive 7 minutes .. he had a field goal and 3 boards * Vince playing excelent although he turned the ball over twice Rose has 5 assissts ! Dark Side : * Chris Bosh is rebound-less .. and has only 6 points ! * The team defence is horrible which has to be picked up in the second half * low the turnovers .. the Cavs are last in the League in forcing turnovers so we have to be carefull and patient with the ball NBA commissioner David Stern is watching the game at Gund Arena ! second half is about to start :
Sorry, I was going to add in some Keys to the Game, but I've been fairly busy. Excellent streak for the Raptors, 5 wins in a row, and since the trade in all those 5 games they've scored 100+ points in every game. This trade has definitley helped the Raptors. Another thing I must say is that before only Vince was averaging in double figures in points (before the trade). Now since the trade, there have usually been 3 Raptors (Rose, Vince, and Marshall) to have over 20 points. They've been playing excellent lately. Before the trade the Raptors were averaging an NBA worst 78 ppg, now since the trade they've made a huge jump to averaging 100ppg, thats a huge leap.
Raptors won. 100-88 I think. Good game from VC, Rose, Marshall and Bosh. Bosh held his own against Big Z. Maybe Bosh will develope into a great Center. Ira Newble played pretty good for the Cavs.
VC hit a big jumper to prevent the cavs to make a run. Great game for Chris, Vince, Rose, Marshall, and not a bad game for Alvin.
Vince, Jalen, and Donyell all with and over 20 points. Check Vince's Stat Line: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists. What I've noticed, and I'm sure you also have, is that the Raptors are getting things done in the second half, particularily in the Fourth. Hope to see this kind of play @ Boston on Friday.
