@ Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls (15-38) Tuesday February 17, 2004 8:30 pm EST Venue: United Center Probable Starting Lineups PG: Alvin Williams (TOR)/Kirck Hinrich (CHI) SG: Vince Carter (TOR)/Jamal Crawford (CHI) SF: Morris Peterson (TOR)/Jerome Williams (CHI) PF: Donyell Marshall (TOR)/Antonio Davis (CHI) C: Chris Bosh (TOR)/Eddy Curry (CHI) Keys to the Game From a Raptors perspective <ul> [*]Stop Eddy Curry Early in the Game: Last time against the Raptor Eddy Curry played well in the first quarter (3-5 fg), and it is known that the Bulls like to give him touches early in the game. To prevent the Bulls from going on an early run stopping Curry will be important. [*]Contain Jamal Crawford: In the last meeting between these two teams Jamal Crawford led the Bulls to a win with 27 points while shooting 9-14 from the floor. Everyone knows that Jamal can catch on fire and take over a game exactly like he did in the last game, the Raptors need to contain him to limit the Bulls offense. [*]Transition Defense: The Raptors need to play well in transition in order to beat the Bulls. The Bulls average 89 points per game during the season so far, and they love to push the ball up court, if the Raptors can stop or limit the Bulls transition game it will make it much easier for them to win. [/list] <font color="red">thefranchise3's Prediction: </font>Before the all-star break the Raptors won 2 of 3 on a west coast road swing. Tonight they head to Chicago where they were embarassed in their first meeting. If the Raptors can limit the Bulls fast break points and play smart on the offensive end, it should be an easy win. Raptors by 6.
AAHHHH!!!! I can't BELIEVE vince turned it over like that! Aw well, even if they won that game in the fourth they still shouldn't be proud of themselves. There's no reason to be trailing by 20 to the second worst team in the league. It was an exciting game in the second half though. please grunwald, give us a center!!!
Damn they almost came back too. But donyell continues to do his thing, low on points with 10 but 4 blocks and 24 rebounds? damn!. We better hold onto him for a long while because he continues to impress me quietly.
yeah hey guys! did you notice some kind of rivalry forming between donyell and liek tyson chandler? I hope not, cuz i still have respect for Donyell, he doesnt bash Chicago or the Bulls.
I knew something bad was gonna happen with Carter running so fast to get the ball from Alvin on the inbounds play. Carter looked pretty shaky and well...there goes the ball game. I'm getting frustrated at the Raps because they've proven time after time that they have great defensive intensity, but they only decide to turn it on in the 4th. Sorry guys, but that's just not gonna get it done if you plan to be strong playoff contendor. My take is that GG will get something of a center before the trade deadline to provide us with solid d for the entire game...not when we're losing by 20 and decide to make a run. Tough shooting game for Carter though....a lot of his shots were easy looks too after driving well to the basket. Alvin was also a big disappointment, 2-12 i believe.
ugh...pathetic the trend of late continues...raps only play for half a game. donyell was a MONSTER on the glass...shot the ball like poo though. ugh, im so pissed. when the raps loose games like this, i get in bad moods
I thought the Raptors would be able to win. Crawford had a great game, 25 points, 11 boards, and 5 assists. He led the Bulls to a victory tonight. Marshall had a great night on the glass. 4-13 ain't that horrible though. Could be a lot worse. (See Richard Hamilton against the Knicks, 3-20) I like the Raptors but they are showing the same tpe of play as the Pistons right now. They play for a few quarters and take a rest during the others. Toronto will need to gain some consistency and turn up their play on the defensive end for the whole game.
Oh man, Raps need grit.. unfortunately just like what Leo Rautins said, they need someone willing to bump other ppl and show attitude. Its unfortunate to lose, it seems teams always play their best against the raps, how embarassing, Curry hit the trey, his first against toronto.. hahaha
Wow, very bad game but Marshall again played extremely well. carter almost got that last shot in... but he was out of bounds anyways... WE NEED A CENTRE!
