<div align="center"> - <font color="Navy"><font color="Navy"> New Jersey Nets @ Toronto Raptors TV: Toronto (TSN), New Jersey (YES) Venue: Air Canada Centre Date: Sunday, April 15th, 2005 TipOff time: 7:10 PM Eastern</font></font> <font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="7">.......</font></font> <font color="Red"><font size="4">The Prodigal Return</font></font> <font color="DarkRed"><font size="1">From the most loved ... to the most hated!</font></font> When Vince Carter conqured the NBA in 1998, it was one of the best things to ever happen to this city. He brought credibility and attention to a city that is unfairly known for its Hockey obssess, and basketball ignorance. After amazing dunks and great highlighte material that was featured on SportsCenter on a daily basis, he went on his way to win the Rookie of The Year award. <font size="1">Vince was the most celebrated athlete in town</font> The expectations for the team got higher tremendously in the second year after the flashes of briliance they showed in Vince's rookie season. With the emergence of third-year cousine, Tracy McGrady, the combo of Carter-McGrady seemed to have a limitless potential after suffering for 6 years, the fans in here finally had something to cheer and look forward to. The dynamic dual led the team to its first playoff appearance that year, but the biggest put back came in the August 2000 when Tracy McGrady demanded the Raps to trade him and all Grunwald got back in return was a mere 1st round pick. The Raps brass didn't panick and tried to improve things for the following season and build on the success they had by making the playoffs. With Vince and Davis leading the ship, the team experienced its best season ever in the Association as the White 'n Purple made it to the playoffs again and beat the Knicks in the first round only to come one shot away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals if Vince's shot at the buzzer went in against Philly in Game 7. That summer was simply the biggest in franchsie history. With the team's trio of Davis, Williams and Jerome Williams were all free agents to be, the attention and media's biggest question was yet again related to Vince. With his rookie contract expiring, Vince was a free agents which would allow him to follow his cousine's path and leave the Raptors for a better team. Grunwald and MLSE stepped up to the challenge resigning all four players, sending a message out to the league that they were serious about what they were trying to build. The fact that Carter resigned here was a shock to the world. And the fans here in T.O. could finally let out a sigh of relief. The injury b ug started to take a toll on the team, and Vince has missed huge chunck of the three following seasons. Crtisism started to surround the team and questions were raised about Carter and his toughness and determination. With the team changing 3 coaches and two general managers in the span of two years, rumours started floating around in the 2004 offseason that Vince was unhappy in Toronto and wanted out! <font size="1">Carter immitated Davis and wanted nothing to do with the Raptors</font> Nothing was taken for certain, and the number of unnamed sources who claimed Vince was unhappy were risen by the minute and everyone was waiting for Vince to come back from his honeymoon and tell the world what were his intentions. Two weeks before the season, Vince Carter openly admitted that he wants out of Toronto as soon as possible and that he had had enough. The fans went irate, and people have really turned on the guy. On December 17th, 2004, VC has finally gotten his wish, and got traded to NJ for an old Eric Williams, and un tested Aaron Williams, a kidneyless Alonzo Mourning, and two draft picks. The frustration has grown up within the fan base, in meantime, Vince was dominating the league again with New Jersey. Later on, in a 1 on 1 interview with TNT's John Thompson, Carter admitted on national TV that he 'Didn't push himself as hard as he could' and 'Relied on his talen and stopped working on it' while he was in Toronto. With all these events unfolding in less than half a decade, Vince Carter has changed from Toronto's athletic symbol and it's embassedor, to its most hated athlete. <font color="Red">- Starting LineUps</font> <font color="Black">The Raptors: </font> <font size="1">Rafer Alston-Morris Peterson-Jalen Rose-Chris Bosh-Rafael Araujo</font> <font color="Black">6th Man:</font> <font size="1">Matt Bonner</font> <font color="Black">Coach:</font> <font size="1">Sam Mitchell</font> Team Leaders: <font face="Comic Sans MS">Scoring:J.Rose-18.1 Rebounds:C.Bosh-9.0 Assists:R.Alston-6.5 FG%:M.Bonner-53.6% FT%:J.Rose-85.1% 3PT%:L.Murray-43.8% Blk:C.Bosh-1.4 Steals:R.Alston-1.5</font> <font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="6">.......</font></font> <font color="Black">The Nets:</font> <font size="1">Jason Kidd-Vince Carter-Brian Scalabrine-Nenad Kristic-Jason Collins</font> <font color="Black">6th Man:</font> <font size="1">Cliff Robinson</font> <font color="Black">Coach:</font> <font size="1">Lawrence Frank</font> Team Leaders: <font face="Comic Sans MS">Scoring:V.Carter-26.9 Rebounds:J.Kidd-7.3 Assists:J.Kidd-8.2 FG%:N.Krstic-48.7% FT%:T.Best-90.2% 3PT%:V.Carter-42.0% Blk:J.Collins-0.9 Steals:J.Kidd-1.7 </font> <font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="7">.......</font></font> <font color="Red">Keys To The Game:</font> - Transition D: Kidd has been stepping up big time lately as NJ are trying to make a strong push for that last playoff spot. He's one of the best rebounding guards in the league and with his great courtvision, he's been doing a great job running the fast break and transition offence. We must contain all shots in transition, specially Kidd who has improved his 3 Point shot tremendously this season. - Contain The Big Two: The Nets don't win any games unless both of their superstars (Kidd & Carter) are having great games. We must try to contain these two and eliminate the role players' effectivness. Rafer can not take chances with Kidd and try to reach out or he'll give an open layup/shot. - Play It For The Fans: This is the only playoff game we're going to get this season. The atmoshphere at the ACC will be electric and you know the fans would do anything to beat Vince on his first game back. If the players are true to what they were all along that they 'Should play hard for the fans and give them something', a win in this game will do. Team must come out energized and ready for a battle. Because you better that NJ are going to come out desperate, specially that Philly won against Miami last night. <font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="6">.......</font></font> <font color="Red">Game Matchup:</font> vs Jalen Rose vs Vince Carter When the two teams met right after the All Star break, Jalen Rose dominated this matchup in a Raptors victory in the Meadow Lands. While he may not guard him all the time, Jalen must play Vince physically on defence, and try to make it hard on him. Over the years, VC has shown the tendency to shy ayaw from contact and going to the free throw line whenever he's being played physical or has gotten hit. Try to put a hand up at every shot he sttempts and when driving, help defence MUST be there early. Offensively, Vince is not a great defender, although he ahs shown signs that he could be one. Jalen has to work his post up game to perfection to take advantage of this matchup on defence. He shouldn't try to do too much or take the game away from Bosh. With his leadership qualities, he must make sure that the team is playing focused and determined for the entire 48 minutes. <font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="7">.......</font></font> <font color="Green">The X-Factor:</font> Chris Bosh With all the hype surrounding this game, and the spotlight focusing on Vince's return, this is Chris Bosh's city right now, and he has to take full advantage of that. He needs to step up big time this game for the Raps to win. Considering that there isn't anyone on the Nets squad that can handle him, Chris should have a huge game and contribute to a big Raptor win. <font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="7">.......</font></font> <font color="Red">Say What?! (Prediction)</font> This game is simply the biggest regural season game in franchise history. With the team missing the playoffs for the third straight year and all the drama that followed Vince in his here in Toronto in the last 2 years, this game will be as exciting and meaningfull as ever for the Raptors faithfull. Expect the Raps to come out energized and ready. Raps win a close one, 99-96. <font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="7">.......</font></font> </div>
If you thought Damon Stoudamire and T-Mac got it bad....wait till you see what Vince is going to experience. Anyone who even would think of cheering for him will get drowned out by the enormous amount of boos about to rain down upon the ACC. Raptors take this one 110-105. Vince will have his 30 points but we will get the win.
Nice preview, this is definately the Raptors playoff game, and Game of the Year, and will definately be an interesting one. We don't have an answer for Vince on our team, let's get that straight, so we can likely expect 30-40+ points from him in the game. I also see a big game from Kidd because of Rafer's lack of defense, but the Nets in many other positions have no answers to the Raptors offense. Bosh should have a big night against the Nets bigs, and the Raptors should take this one: 103 - 100
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting og15:</div><div class="quote_post">Nice preview, this is definately the Raptors playoff game, and Game of the Year, and will definately be an interesting one. We don't have an answer for Vince on our team, let's get that straight, so we can likely expect 30-40+ points from him in the game. I also see a big game from Kidd because of Rafer's lack of defense, but the Nets in many other positions have no answers to the Raptors offense. Bosh should have a big night against the Nets bigs, and the Raptors should take this one: 103 - 100</div> Go Raps..I cant wait to see this game tonight!! I only wish I was at the ACC in person! One other key is to NOT double JKidd down in the blocks when he posts up Rafer, play him straight up. Thats gonna leave someone wide open and chances are they'll get an easy look at the basket. Im gonna say its a close one with the Raps coming back, they have a tendency to play catch up in all of their games. 100-98
http://www.pulse24.com/In_The_Raw/Raw_Vide...1/Video-5-2.asx Is it just me or does he look incredibly homesick?? All he talked about was Canada, Toronto, Toronto, Canada. VINCE MISSES IT HERE! lol just kidding. Raptors will win this one. I know this because I prayed. lmfao
^i know. i dont wanna piss anyone off or anything but he looks really homesick talking about the raptors..
Vince is getting a lot of boos. I've never seen a crowd boo a guy like that. I think that the booing will get to Vince and that will throw him off his game. I'm not going to predict a score but I think that the Raptors will win this game.
Wow, it sounds like a Soccer match. Wish I could've gone, the ACC is rockin' tonight. Raps playing good defense which is a rarity.
We're up 14 at half. Raps are playing great, Rose in on fire. Only things: we have to make our free throws and get Bosh some shots. Let's ruin New Jersey's playoff hopes!! V-C-Sucks V-C-Sucks!!!
Boos are just insane this game. I don't think Carter doesn't deserve it though. I would've been booing as loud as possible as well if I were at the game.
Vince is not doing too bad though even with the boos. Carter has 30 already with a minute left in the 3rd.
I'm begging you toronto, knock off the nets! The cavs don't deserve the playoffs, but I'd still like to get there.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">Boos are just insane this game. I don't think Carter doesn't deserve it though. I would've been booing as loud as possible as well if I were at the game.</div> Juts like you I would be booingas loud asI could, but honestly I don't think he deserves that many. Atleast in the next game(next season) it should be(IMO) but down alot, but I doubt it. I also thuoght it soudned like a smaller closed scale soccer match when I heard the boos. And I thinkthe crowd's boos are a double edged sword, a playoff atmosphere whhich motivates our guys, but also motivation for Carter. He was tentative in the first half, but he certainly had a nice explosion.
Nets win 101-92. We were down 92-88 late in the game, but the Nets pulled away. Vince was great in his return with 39 including 17 in the third. Not happy or sad. We may have lost, but this loss helps us with the draft pick.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Eclipse:</div><div class="quote_post">We're up 14 at half. Raps are playing great, Rose in on fire. Only things: we have to make our free throws and get Bosh some shots. Let's ruin New Jersey's playoff hopes!! V-C-Sucks V-C-Sucks!!! </div> if vc sucks why u is he ur fav player and why do u have a sig of him. ......by the way nets win....
I wish the crowd would have started booing at Rob Babcock, our team is a mess. We just can't finish. BOO Vince and BOO Rob Babcock! These Draft Picks better get us a great player!
Vince always gets 39 points. Why won't he just get 4-0. All you Raptor fans are simply owned. I bet Vince will surpass his success with the Raptors as a Net.
^LOL, I liekd pape sows game, btu this game further reminded me, I don;'t like late foul calls(lets have a new rule on that), and In the ealry 1st or 2nd, it Planincs or Nenad bumped Jalen in theback and had a ltitle talk, trash talk is good, but on the floor of an NBA game? cut that physical crap. I think the refs shoulda said something.
