I Think I Can Stop Superman…Or Maybe Not?
The days seem to get very long between playoff games.That is especially true when you have a game like the Raptors had in game 1. There was a lot of folks talking about a lot of things that have nothing to do with this basketball team winning game 2. Talk of Sam Mitchell and if he will remain as coach of this team beyond this season. The future of T.J Ford and if he will remain part of this basketball team. Andrea Bargnani and his future development. None of these things matter as far as this playoff series. The Raptors were exposed badly and the Magic shot the lights in game number 1. Toronto can improve from game 1 and that would not be that hard. Let’s face it the start of game 1 was embarrassing but if you can look beyond that awful first quarter the Raptors actually did not do to badly. But one of the keys I had mentioned prior to this series the Raptors need to play from the lead. That means getting off to a good start and forcing the Magic to play from behind.
Dwight Howard was a problem in game 1, blocking shots and contesting anything that came near the paint. The Raptors should look to capitalize on that aggression and go at Howard. The thing the Raptors have done successfully in the past with Howard is getting him into foul trouble early and making him play back on his heels as a result on defence. This is the best way to stop Superman because fouls can force him into playing moral like the average person. Howard accounted for over 50% of his teams rebounds in game 1. That is a staggering stat. Much like Toronto the Magic have trouble rebounding based on the fact they have so many outside shooters. But if Howard is allowed to run wild and grab twenty plus rebounds it takes away form that disadvantage. Winning the battle on the glass can help the Raptors a great deal but it takes effort. Something that was clearly lacking in game 1.
Much as been made of the Raptor defence or lack there of. I have said many times through this season it begins with the point guards and ball pressure. Jameer Nelson is not Steve Nash and the Raptors did a good job of making him look like it. T.J Ford wants to get some fans back on his side then use that speed and don’t let Nelson breath on defence. The other thing that has got a lot of play is how you approach defending Howard. Many think Raptors doubled Howard to much and that lead to the many open looks from beyond the arc. The Raptors need to accept that Howard will get his and just foul when the can send him to the line. I will say this Howard did a good job from line in game 1 but can he hold that for an entire series. I don’t think many beyond the Magic Kingdom think he can. But if you decide to just man Howard and use few to little double teams that must mean that there are absolutely no 3’s that are open looks.
I have followed this team for to long to not think that because everyone or almost everyone has given up on them that means anything. In fact this team seems to rise up when most feel it was dead as a door nail. One thing I have learned about this team in 7 playoff games between last year and this year. Anthony Parker is a guy that steps it up when it matters most. It seems when the playoffs come around we get to see the best of AP. We also saw the reason why Bryan Colangelo wanted to get Jason Kapono. He also stepped up his game for the post season. But more have to join the party for the Raptors to get wins in this series.
That part must begin with the guest of honour which is of course Chris Bosh. So far we have yet to see that big playoff performance from Chris Bosh. The Magic have been a team that in the regular season Bosh has had some of his best games as a pro. We need to see a few of them in this series for the Raptors to ultimately be successful. The one time the Raptors had any kind of playoff success it was because of Vince Carter. I know that reality may hurt some folks but it is true. Vince in the Raptors only playoff run of note was key player in both the New York and Philadelphia series. Others chipped in like Alvin Williams but it was all about V.C. This series has been built around the match-up between Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh. Much like the series with Sixers and Raptors were Iverson and Carter had a battle for the ages. If Bosh and Howard can be half as good as that fans would be in for a treat. Howard did his part in game 1 and Bosh needs to do his part in game 2.
If not the mood for Game 3 in Toronto could turn ugly fast if the Raptors come home down 0-2 and have a slow start. Fans are not exactly thrilled with this edition of the Raptors and the cries for changes will get louder with each Magic victory in this series. The Raptors need to mute their detractors with a win and the sooner the better. The time for excuses is over and the time for getting things done is now. If not the Raptors may not have the same people around next season. There is lots of talk about how this team gets along and has a family feel. Well if that is true to save the family they need to play well in this series. We will have the Raptor Rewind win or lose.
Tags: Allen Iverson, Bosh, Dwight Howard, Ford, Jameer Nelson, Kapono, Parker, Vince Carter
