OGT: Raptors (26-22) @ Kings (16-32)

[Legends66NBA7]

Game Links: http://gofirstrow.eu/sport/basketball.html

Game Preview: http://www.nba.com/games/20140205/TORSAC/gameinfo.html?ls=slt


The Toronto Raptors' decision to trade Rudy Gay was seen largely as a move aimed at financial flexibility.

Since the deal, though, they've been one of the better teams in the NBA.

Toronto will face Gay for the first time since trading him when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

Gay shifted teams for the second time in less than two seasons as part of a seven-player deal Dec. 9. The trade also saw Aaron Gray and Quincy Acy join him in Sacramento, while Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson, John Salmons and Chuck Hayes were sent to Toronto.

With two of those acquisitions from the Kings playing on expiring contracts and Gay set to make more than $37 million through next season, the Raptors' motives appeared based on finances.

However, Toronto's 19-10 record since remaking its roster has been among the best in the league and the Raptors (26-22) are atop the Atlantic Division.

"We're playing for each other. Each of us want the best for the others on the team," Vasquez said. "We care about each other and have great chemistry."

Toronto is 10-6 away from home since the deal and has won four of five overall and six of eight, including a 94-79 victory at Utah on Monday. DeMar DeRozan scored nine of his 23 points in the final quarter and the first-time All-Star has averaged 26.8 points over his last eight road contests.

"Honestly, I think there is no pressure on the road," DeRozan said.

Gay has been enjoying one of the most successful stretches of his career in Sacramento, averaging career bests of 20.7 points and 53.0 percent shooting. He averaged 19.4 points and 38.8 percent in 18 games for Toronto this season.

However, what Gay described as a "new beginning" at the time of the trade hasn't appeared to change much for the Kings (16-32). Sacramento is 11-19 since Dec. 9 after also starting eight games below .500 at 5-13.

The club was able to snap a seven-game skid with a 99-70 home win over Chicago on Monday, getting 25 points and 16 rebounds from DeMarcus Cousins after he missed six games with a sprained ankle.

"To be honest, I shouldn't have been playing tonight," said Cousins, averaging 25.7 points, 17.3 rebounds and 59.6 percent from the field in his last three against Toronto. "But I'm not the kind of guy to let a nagging injury hold me back. So once I got to the point where I could play through the pain, go through the pain and stiffness in my ankle, I was ready to go."

Sacramento could have the advantage of facing the Raptors without Kyle Lowry after the point guard left Monday's contest with pain in his right knee. Lowry's 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game lead Toronto.

Jonas Valanciunas has been surging for the Raptors, scoring 18 points against the Jazz and averaging 16.7 and 58.0 percent shooting over his last six. He was averaging 10.0 points and 49.3 percent prior to that stretch.

The Raptors have dropped five of six meetings with the Kings and are 2-14 all-time in Sacramento.

[Kungfro]

Gonna be watching this as soon as the wizards/spurs game finishes up.

[andremiller07]

Nothing will piss me off more than if Salmons has a good game.

[JohnFreeman]

Nothing will piss me off more than if Salmons has a good game.
:oldlol:

[Legends66NBA7]

Nothing will piss me off more than if Salmons has a good game.

He's been an unsung hero for us at times.

Who's going to guard him ?

[JohnFreeman]

I hope Gay has a big game against his old team :applause:

[andremiller07]

He's been an unsung hero for us at times.

Who's going to guard him ?
One of the two terrible Sg's we have in MT and Mclemore

[JohnFreeman]

One of the two terrible Sg's we have in MT and Mclemore
Just bring in DTrill to play SG

[JohnFreeman]

Boog averaging 28 and 16 rebounds against Raps :eek:

[red1]

win number 27 leggo

[red1]

Nothing will piss me off more than if Salmons has a good game.
oh you just know he will :lol

[JohnFreeman]

Thornton hits a threeeeeeeeeee

[JohnFreeman]

Cousins BULLY :bowdown: :bowdown:

[Legends66NBA7]

Team is playing like garbage. Kyle is labouring, I don't think he's comfortable with taking a shot yet.

[andremiller07]

JV has the nastiest shot fake in the NBA I swear every time he pump fakes I think it's a shot. I don't know how he does it.

[33teeth]

That's the Johnny Salmons I know!

[JohnFreeman]

Cousins with the block

[JohnFreeman]

Thornton is doing something :eek:

[Kungfro]

Killing us on rebounds right now.

[JohnFreeman]

Acy scaring fools

[andremiller07]

Biggest Thug in the NBA in the game ACY:bowdown:

[Legends66NBA7]

I hope Hansbrough can play soon.

[moe94]

dat pass

Is it me or did dude walk like no business?

[Kungfro]

As much as I miss Acy, Patterson has been so much more valuable for the Raps.

[Legends66NBA7]

dat pass

DeMar or Pat ?

[andremiller07]

Thornton actually playing well

[moe94]

DeMar or Pat ?

Definitely Pat

[JohnFreeman]

Thornton actually playing well
Can't believe my eyes :eek:

[Legends66NBA7]

Definitely Pat

I think I was more impressed with Chuck Hayes making that basket.

[moe94]

Acy doe

[Legends66NBA7]

Defense better step up now and not wait till the 4th quarter.

[JohnFreeman]

Here we go Gay

[Legends66NBA7]

Patterson has been great off the bench, but we just can't get consecutive stops.

[moe94]

Cool flop.

[Legends66NBA7]

And that's why you should never let Ross handle the ball. That was horrible.

[moe94]

And that's why you should never let Ross handle the ball. That was horrible.

Zero handles.

[Legends66NBA7]

Back to back baskets for Lowry.

DeMar needs some looks too.

[moe94]

Happy, Legends?

[andremiller07]

Man I remember when we had Hayes/Patterson we would always get raped on the glass. This is the worst I have seen a team rebound, is it normally like this with JV in foul trouble?

[Legends66NBA7]

Happy, Legends?

Defensively, no. But yes, DeMar and Kyle attacking the rim does wonders for us.

[Legends66NBA7]

Man I remember when we had Hayes/Patterson we would always get raped on the glass. This is the worst I have seen a team rebound, is it normally like this with JV in foul trouble?

No, they've actually been good defenders and rebounders for us. The whole frontcourt has been in foul trouble, hence getting outrebounded.

[JohnFreeman]

No, they've actually been good defenders and rebounders for us. The whole frontcourt has been in foul trouble, hence getting outrebounded.
Missing Bargnanis rebounding? :lol

[Legends66NBA7]

Drake Night was such a great experience for me being there live. When DeMar hit those shots at the end of the 3rd and he was hyped... just an experience and moment I want to relive with the rest of the fans. Watching the team lock in on defense was probably even more spectacular.

[moe94]

Drake Night was such a great experience for me being there live. When DeMar hit those shots at the end of the 3rd and he was hyped... just an experience and moment I want to relive with the rest of the fans. Watching the team lock in on defense was probably even more spectacular.

You going to 2016 all-star?

[Legends66NBA7]

Jackie Redmond.

:pimp:

[Legends66NBA7]

You going to 2016 all-star?

Hell yeah.

Have the tickets come out yet ?

[red1]

I am a front runner. I dont watch raptor games we are being blown out :rockon:

[moe94]

Hell yeah.

Have the tickets come out yet ?

No idea. How much do you think shitty seats are going to be? Broke as a joke over here.

[JohnFreeman]

I am a front runner. I dont watch raptor games we are being blown out :rockon:
It's hard to take myself away from Clips heat

[Legends66NBA7]

No idea. How much do you think shitty seats are going to be? Broke as a joke over here.

My bet is that it will be expensive, regardless.

$150-300 range.

[moe94]

My bet is that it will be expensive, regardless.

$150-300 range.

For the actual game? That's not so bad. :eek:

[JohnFreeman]

I want the Kings to sign another reliable shooter. I feel our perimeter is weak

[JohnFreeman]

Mclemore actually hitting shots :eek: Man Lowry is solid

[JohnFreeman]

Cousins jumping over the announcer table, dont get hurt :no:

[JohnFreeman]

Why doesn't Novak get more minutes?

[Legends66NBA7]

There's that run. Keep getting stops.

[Twiens]

Am I the only one just watching, hoping to see Val/Cousins scrap

[Legends66NBA7]

Why doesn't Novak get more minutes?

Because he's usually not needed.

[JohnFreeman]

Am I the only one just watching, hoping to see Val/Cousins scrap
Would be nice, but they won't

[JohnFreeman]

Close this game out :facepalm Novak hitting threes

[moe94]

We back in this.

What it do, Freeman?

[JohnFreeman]

We back in this.

What it do, Freeman?

Someone for the love of god step up and close this

[MMM]

Part of me wouldn't mind cheering for the Raps a bit this season but that goes everything i stand for, F hitch hikers.

the ride was rough for u Rap fans but here yall are

[JohnFreeman]

Cousins come on man box dat fool out

[JohnFreeman]

Nice sportsmanship from Cousins :applause:

[JohnFreeman]

Don't do me like this. Mclemore big rebound:applause:

[moe94]

Nighty night, Freeman.

[kaiteng]

Damn, McLemore with a key rebound. :(

[JohnFreeman]

Nighty night, Freeman.
Night. Good game :applause:

[kaiteng]

Wow, WTF. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[Twiens]

Rigged

[JohnFreeman]

hmmm wow

[kaiteng]

Lowry made a three and probably a foul. Offensive foul then tech at Casey!? :banghead: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Legends66NBA7]

Unbelievable....

:facepalm

[kaiteng]

Absolute bullshit. Lowry didn't kick McLemore in the air.

[33teeth]

I didn't like that call, but it's nice for the Kings to be on the right side of one after getting some bad calls (like the Paul George 4 point play) against them lately.

If it were possible to have a no call there then that would be best.

[JohnFreeman]

That's a really bad call. Sorry Rap fans

[kaiteng]

Oh, and Adam Silver is at the game too.

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/a1/b7/c6/a1b7c6580a1f03ce5514dbd0430fe810.jpg

[JohnFreeman]

I didn't like that call, but it's nice for the Kings to be on the right side of one after getting some bad calls (like the Paul George 4 point play) against them lately.

If it were possible to have a no call there then that would be best.
I prefer the officiating is just done correctly. I wouldn't mind the PAcers getting ****ed over though. Dat PG 4 point play :mad:

[kaiteng]

I! WANT! JUSTICE!!!

[cuad]

I think Adam Silver is going to win the Kings a championship.

[GoRapz]

Wow can we please release a serial rapist to rape these officials' daughters and wives??

[33teeth]

I prefer the officiating is just done correctly. I wouldn't mind the PAcers getting ****ed over though. Dat PG 4 point play :mad:

I agree I just don't know what the right call is there so I'd like a no call. You could argue that Ben fouled him, but you'd have to know Lowry's shooting motion really well. It looked a little like he put his right leg out to try to get hit and that's what the ref called. I didn't like it.

[Bcogswell]

Terrible terrible call, screwed the raptors out of the game.

[Bcogswell]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JFRnCZXWzk&feature=youtu.be

[JohnFreeman]

I agree I just don't know what the right call is there so I'd like a no call. You could argue that Ben fouled him, but you'd have to know Lowry's shooting motion really well. It looked a little like he put his right leg out to try to get hit and that's what the ref called. I didn't like it.
Ben fouled him no question.

[Legends66NBA7]

Once again, the Raptors just don't give up no matter how much their down by. That being said, they really need to stop getting down by 15-20 points a game.

As for the calls ? It is what it is, we got a bad break. It's happened before, it's a good bet it will happen again. Hope we can win on Friday.

[JohnFreeman]

Once again, the Raptors just don't give up no matter how much their down by. That being said, they really need to stop getting down by 15-20 points a game.

As for the calls ? It is what it is, we got a bad break. It's happened before, it's a good bet it will happen again. Hope we can win on Friday.
That's the spirit :cheers:

[andremiller07]

Kings @ 500. when Gay/Cousins/Thomas are healthy (11-11) can't remember the last time we were 500. over a 22 game period.

Tough call for the Raptors on the Lowry call, but tbh they lost that game cause of there lack of rebounding, they gave up way to many 2nd chance points. God Mclemore pissed me off he's so ****ing stupid he had the easiest match up in Novak and he can't helping off him wtf is wrong with that ****.

[JohnFreeman]

Kings @ 500. when Gay/Cousins/Thomas are healthy (11-11) can't remember the last time we were 500. over a 22 game period.

Tough call for the Raptors on the Lowry call, but tbh they lost that game cause of there lack of rebounding, they gave up way to many 2nd chance points. God Mclemore pissed me off he's so ****ing stupid he had the easiest match up in Novak and he can't helping off him wtf is wrong with that ****.
Feels good. We need to bring someone who is a reliable shooter and not a bad defender. Thornton and Mclemore make me pull my hair out. Gay, Cousins and Thomas all looking good though. Acy = GOAT

[andremiller07]

Feels good. We need to bring someone who is a reliable shooter and not a bad defender. Thornton and Mclemore make me pull my hair out. Gay, Cousins and Thomas all looking good though. Acy = GOAT
Also what sucks just as Thornton finds some of his groove he's injured and why the **** was Williams benched for Outlaw surely it's not cause of that dunk attempt he did?

[JohnFreeman]

Also what sucks just as Thornton finds some of his groove he's injured and why the **** was Williams benched for Outlaw surely it's not cause of that dunk attempt he did?
I actually think he was benched for the dunk attempt. Trying to straight him out or some shit. I would prefer Williams at SG and Gay at SF.

Cousins
Thompson
Gay
Williams
Thomas

[JohnFreeman]

Just says Williams was a DNP - Coach decision.

Thought maybe there was a personal reason or something

[andremiller07]

Just says Williams was a DNP - Coach decision.

Thought maybe there was a personal reason or something
Strange, I seriously don't think it was that big a deal he missed that dunk I mean the game was over he was just trying to put on a show for the fans. Travis Outlaw sucked......

Isaiah played like a legit pass first PG today 2nd game in a row really nice to see. The bench as a whole but was terrible. Man I'm glad Vasquez is off the team as well he's terrible.

[JohnFreeman]

Strange, I seriously don't think it was that big a deal he missed that dunk I mean the game was over he was just trying to put on a show for the fans. Travis Outlaw sucked......

Isaiah played like a legit pass first PG today 2nd game in a row really nice to see. The bench as a whole but was terrible. Man I'm glad Vasquez is off the team as well he's terrible.
I cried with happiness when Vasquez was gone. Must be a way to get Larry Sanders

[kwajo]

Whatever the outcome the game last night was horrid from an officiating perspective, there were far too many calls on both ends and it turned the game into a choppy, boring mess with no rhythm or flow. Ugh.

[RaininThrees]

This is maybe the worst offensive foul call I've ever seen... and what a swing.

Went from potentially a 2 point game with 25.5 left to game over.

Just, wow.