Rally Round The Raptor Flag

Hey CB4 I Got Your Back

Well the Raptors have now experienced both of sports versions of death. The long and drawn out version in game 1 and The Short and painful version in game 2. The one common theme in both was the start of the game which was horrible in both. The case can be made if the Raptors just show up for the first quarter they could have a 2-0 lead coming home but reality is they are down 0-2. Expect some changes in game 3 as Sam Mitchell said there will be in his post game comments. He would not say what but suggested from watching the game reporters could figure it out. Based on the fact the Raptors played small ball I would think Andrea Bargnani is heading back to the bench. I would also think it would not be a surprise if T.J Ford was joining him. Ford as struggled with his shot in a major way. He has looked out of sorts and if he wants to remain in Toronto beyond this playoff he better remind people why he is considered a very good point guard. Most important person being Bryan Colangelo. Bryan has shown to not be afraid to make a move fast and Fred Jones and Juan Dixon’s short run with Raptors is proof of that. But Jose Calderon if he is to be the starter in this series he needs to do a much better defending Jameer Nelson. That may be the only thing T.J Ford has going for him is that his speed if he uses on defence he can do a better job then Jose. But so far we haven’t seen it.

 

Who was to blame for the final play of last night’s game. Many are saying Sam Mitchell, a few are saying Chris Bosh and Bosh says blame the Ref. Why is that you ask? Bosh said he decided not to drive the ball because he had no confidence that after he felt he was fouled on a play with 30 seconds left that he would get a call. He said in his words he wanted to take the game out of the referees hands and ultimately he took game in his own. He would be a hero this morning if that shot had fallen but hero and goat can be just inches away from each other. Just ask Vince Carter how that goes after his shot in Philly when just a few inches long. Chris Bosh will hope his future is a lot brighter then Vince’s after that shot. That was pretty much the drop off point for the good times for Vince Carter in Toronto. Injuries and a fractured relationship with fans would follow. Leading to his ultimate exit where he basically gave up on the team and himself and ultimately his fans. But Chris Bosh has more character  in him then Vince Carter. Things matter more to Chris Bosh then they ever did for Vince Carter. While Carter was no doubt upset to miss that shot in Philly. His life would go on the next day and no big deal after all he was college graduate it was time to celebrate. Bosh on the other hand will take the fact he let his team down and the fans down to heart. He needs to win, he wants to win it is part of his make up and what makes him a winner off the court and helps him in the attempt to be on the floor.

 

Normally I would not think that fans can make much of a difference. But the way this team lost game 2 and the overall mood around this team, fans could make an impact. If they support this team all the way through game 3 it may be that extra push they need. It may also be what they need to get kick started to a better start. If the fans turn on this team though I can’t imagine how disappointing that will feel for the team. Normally I am not a believer in that whole raw raw type of attitude in sports. But this team I think could use some of that blind loyal support right now. There is need for some team spirit. I mean check out any college program in the United States. Those kids come out and support the school no matter the record and cheer their brains out. Sure it may have to with the amount of beer they drink before the game. But they have faith in their team while the game is going on. Raptor fans need some of that college spirit. You see that same passion in smaller numbers at Canadian Schools as well. I use to experience the Panda Bowl which was an annual battle of Ottawa U and The Carleton Ravens in Football. The Ravens no longer have a football program but the Panda Bowl was a great event and Carleton had a brutal football team for years but still each year Raven fans would come out and cheer. Some of the things they would cheer I can’t say in this blog based on the language. But the point is they had spirit. Raptor fans need to tap into that college spirit.

 

Hopeful people can put aside there Fire Sam thoughts and support the team. Put there Bryan Colangelo off season suggestions letters away. Put down there T.J Ford voodoo dolls. Just cheer as loud as you can and leave the off-season for another day. Maybe I am being optimistic by thinking that can happen. But 3 years ago you were not watching basketball right now at least that involved the Raptors. Maybe remember that fact and if for no other reason then that CHEER.

Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Bryan Colangelo, Chris Bosh, Jose Calderon, Raptors vs Magic Game 3, T.J Ford, Vince Carter