OGT: Nov 11 Magic (2-5) @ Raptors (6-1)

[Legends66NBA7]

http://i.imgur.com/uY0n0qz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dzdtMIV.jpg

http://www.nba.com/games/20141111/ORLTOR/gameinfo.html


The Toronto Raptors have been sharp offensively on the way to the top of the Eastern Conference, but it's their effort on the defensive end that has keyed some easy victories at home.

As they look to extend the best start in team history, the Raptors will try to open 5-0 in Toronto for the first time in 11 years as they continue a seven-game homestand against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

Toronto (6-1) is averaging an NBA-best 107.4 points after shooting a season-high 56.6 percent in Sunday's 120-88 home win over Philadelphia. The Raptors moved alone atop the conference for the first time in their 20-year history.

"They are one of the best teams in the East right now," 76ers guard Tony Wroten said.

DeMar DeRozan needs 21 points to pass Andrea Bargnani for third on the Raptors' all-time list. He hit 8 of 12 from the field and all eight free-throw attempts against the 76ers for 24 points.

DeRozan totaled 52 in two meetings with the Magic last season.

While Toronto has been solid offensively in all arenas, the club has been at its best defensively on its own floor.

The Raptors are allowing 103.0 points and 49.3 percent shooting on the road, but have limited their last three home opponents to 86.7 and 41.3.

They held Philadelphia to 37.9 percent from the floor, keeping a team below 40.0 for the second straight game.

"It feels good to start good like this," center Jonas Valanciunas said. "We've got to do this every game."

Toronto, seeking its best home start since going 5-0 in 2003, faces an Orlando team that has scored 90.3 per game while dropping three of four on the road.

The Magic (2-5) have also averaged 90.0 points during an eight-game losing streak to Toronto and have reached 100 four times while going 2-29 in their last 31 on the road.

Both road wins in that span have come against the woeful 76ers on Feb. 26 and on Wednesday.

The Magic were outrebounded 45-31 in a 104-96 loss at Brooklyn on Sunday as they failed to win a third straight. The Raptors held a 50-40 rebounding edge in a 108-95 win at Orlando on Nov. 1.

"A lot of times, rebounding is position, your early work," coach Jacque Vaughn said Sunday. "I think we can continue to address that and take care of that."

Toronto, among the NBA leaders with 33.9 free-throw attempts per game, went 38 of 48 at the line in the first meeting while the Magic were 12 of 24. DeRozan and Kyle Lowry combined to hit 17 of 21 shots and score 47 points as the Raptors overcame a 4-of-21 effort from 3-point range.

Lowry has totaled 61 points while sinking 10 of 16 from beyond the arc in his last two home meetings with the Magic.

Orlando's Nikola Vucevic is averaging career highs of 18.6 points and 12.3 rebounds after scoring a season-high 27 on Sunday.

Evan Fournier led the Magic with 18 points Nov. 1 and is off to a surprising start with a career-high 16.0 per game while filling in for Victor Oladipo (facial fracture).

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Another guaranteed W

[Done_And_Done]

Can't take the foot off the pedal now. Gotta take care of business at home...

[Done_And_Done]

Another guaranteed W

4 posts away from 10k. Walk with me, talk with me...

[It's A VC3!!!]

Can't wait for the Raptors to actually begin the season. They have been playing D-League teams for the first 8 games of the season. Anyways, Lowry has looked good and overall, the Raptors have been playing quality basketball. Casey is a solid coach as well. Will catch a glimpse of this game and hopefully some quality basketball comes of it.

[Legends66NBA7]

Can't take the foot off the pedal now. Gotta take care of business at home...

I don't think were going to see them take the foot off a lot this season. It could be just like what we saw Sunday night, no starter reaches 30+minutes.

[avonbarksdale]

easy win

[Bcogswell]

Can't wait for the Raptors to actually begin the season. They have been playing D-League teams for the first 8 games of the season.

Nets haven't really faced anyone better than the Raptors have. :confusedshrug:

[Done_And_Done]

Can't wait for the Raptors to actually begin the season. They have been playing D-League teams for the first 8 games of the season. Anyways, Lowry has looked good and overall, the Raptors have been playing quality basketball. Casey is a solid coach as well. Will catch a glimpse of this game and hopefully some quality basketball comes of it.

DC has definitely exceeded my expectations as a coach but I'm still tentative about his ability to take this team to the next step. I'm not saying he can't be the guy do so either. I'm just not entirely sold yet...

[Legends66NBA7]

Can't wait for the Raptors to actually begin the season. They have been playing D-League teams for the first 8 games of the season. Anyways, Lowry has looked good and overall, the Raptors have been playing quality basketball. Casey is a solid coach as well. Will catch a glimpse of this game and hopefully some quality basketball comes of it.

Trumped the Wizards and beating the Celtics wasn't easy without Amir and Jonas.

But yeah, it's been A pretty easy schedule. I think you would have liked to know, DeMar looks a lot better with his handle this season. He was working out with an elite dribbling coach to get more comfortable this season as a top scoring option. Definitely improved on how to attack the basket His 3 ball on the other hand... it's either what it is or he's going to be selective to when to use it.

By the way, when you get a chance... let me know what you think about this post I just posted on the Nets forum: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10720616&postcount=27

[It's A VC3!!!]

Nets haven't really faced anyone better than the Raptors have. :confusedshrug:

Wasn't bashing the Raptors but the Nets will be facing some very tough opponents for the next two weeks. They could really lose each of those games so we'll see what the Nets are made of very soon. Maybe Joe's recent comments light a fire or something, who knows?

[Bcogswell]

Ross for three :applause:

[It's A VC3!!!]

Trumped the Wizards and beating the Celtics wasn't easy without Amir and Jonas.

But yeah, it's been A pretty easy schedule. I think you would have liked to know, DeMar looks a lot better with his handle this season. He was working out with an elite dribbling coach to get more comfortable this season as a top scoring option. Definitely improved on how to attack the basket His 3 ball on the other hand... it's either what it is or he's going to be selective to when to use it.

By the way, when you get a chance... let me know what you think about this post I just posted on the Nets forum: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10720616&postcount=27

I think he is very upset that he had 10 points in the first quarter of the last game and finished the game with only 13 points. I think most of his frustration is stemming from the fact that he felt the Nets should have blown the Magic out of the gym. Joe had to be re-inserted into the game late into the fourth quarter and he seemed very upset by that.
As far as his statements about the Nets selfishness, that's a bit confusing because the Nets are one of the best offensive teams in the NBA. Their assist numbers are a bit low but all the other offensive numbers are stellar. However, the defensive numbers are middle-of-the-pack and that's where the miscommunication is happening. Brook needs to get his soft ass to become a defensive anchor for this team.
The problem has not been offense for the Nets. It's been defense. The defense has been very weak for the most part and it's been the interior defense. I think Joe is taking a shot at Lopez.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Who is the Raptors commentators (or whoever is doing the game on NBAtv)? That one guy sounds like a younger Bill Raftery.

[AKADS]

I like that there running but when it's 1 on 3 slow it down.

Pretty ugly start

[Qwyjibo]

Ross is so limited on offense when he has to take even a couple dribbles.

[Done_And_Done]

Who is the Raptors commentators (or whoever is doing the game on NBAtv)? That one guy sounds like a younger Bill Raftery.

Matt Devin and Jack Armstrong.

Not sure we're the NBA tv showing though

[Legends66NBA7]

Horrible transition defense. Absolutely pitful.

[Ariza4three]

I love when this team runs.

[Ariza4three]

**** off Hansbrough. Little shit

[Qwyjibo]

The Raptors just have to play smart. That's all. Force a crappy team like the Magic to make shots and beat you with skill, not effort.

Also, I get the "lesson" to Valanciunas but it would be nice if there someone less shitty than Hansbrough to bring into the game. I hope they get him back into the game quickly.

[Dave3]

Can't wait for the Raptors to actually begin the season. They have been playing D-League teams for the first 8 games of the season. Anyways, Lowry has looked good and overall, the Raptors have been playing quality basketball. Casey is a solid coach as well. Will catch a glimpse of this game and hopefully some quality basketball comes of it.
The Nets have yet to play any team as good as the Wizards or Heat, every game so far has been against an under .500 team. Your initial sentence applies more to the Nets than the Raptors lol.

[Ariza4three]

EVERYONE on this team needs to work on freethrows. We've been TERRIBLE this year at them.

[PleezeBehave]

The Raptors just have to play smart. That's all. Force a crappy team like the Magic to make shots and beat you with skill, not effort.

Also, I get the "lesson" to Valanciunas but it would be nice if there someone less shitty than Hansbrough to bring into the game. I hope they get him back into the game quickly.

You should know how to spot a crappy team, being from Canada.

[outbreak]

Harris looks much better when he doesn't waste every possession by trying to barrel through people and be a hero

[outbreak]

and here comes ridnour and ben gordon goodbye lead

[Legends66NBA7]

Flash time.

[Ariza4three]

Can't go 0-4 from the line.

[outbreak]

I'd rather Vaughn started Harkless over Harris, Harris is better sixth man.

[Ariza4three]

I'd rather Vaughn started Harkless over Harris, Harris is better sixth man.
Honestly I agree.

[outbreak]

brainfart by toronto there

[Legends66NBA7]

Shaq is the answer to the trivia question.

[Legends66NBA7]

brainfart by toronto there

No, just JV.

[outbreak]

No, just JV.

How's he been developing? I thought he looked pretty good when he was a rookie but is he improving?

[Ariza4three]

Demar bitching about a good no call. Where he traveled too.

[Ariza4three]

Now Lowry bitching about a good call where he 100% palmed it.

[Qwyjibo]

No, just JV.
He needs to limit those with that short leash that Casey will always have him on. I want to see as little Hansbrough as possible in this game. Well, every game.

[Legends66NBA7]

He needs to limit those with that short leash that Casey will always have him on. I want to see as little Hansbrough as possible in this game. Well, every game.

Rest of the team needs to pick it up defensively too.

[Qwyjibo]

Rest of the team needs to pick it up defensively too.
Yep. Ross and Derozan were caught guarding no one a couple times.

[outbreak]

magic ball movement has been good the last couple of games. We have a pretty good passing team so it's nice to see Vaughn using them that way.

[Legends66NBA7]

Kyle doing it all.

JV playing like shit.

[Legends66NBA7]

Amir also has been effective.

[Qwyjibo]

Lowry and Amir, good.

Derozan and JV, bad.

[EricGordon23]

Ross takes the worst shots

[Qwyjibo]

Ross takes the worst shots
He's good at set shots created for him. Even tough ones. Can't do anything off the dribble though.

[Qwyjibo]

I almost want to see Hayes in there guarding Vucevic instead of Hansbrough. At least he might be able to keep him out of the paint while also being otherwise useless.

EDIT: Or shit, where is Stiemsma? Forgot about him.

[Legends66NBA7]

Such disappointing effort through 3 quarters.

[Legends66NBA7]

I almost want to see Hayes in there guarding Vucevic instead of Hansbrough. At least he might be able to keep him out of the paint while also being otherwise useless.

EDIT: Or shit, where is Stiemsma? Forgot about him.

Stiemsma would be great really. Don'tknow why CCasey is so clueless in using him against better post players.

[Twiens]

How is that not an And1!? Fkn woman refs

[Qwyjibo]

Stiemsma would be great really. Don'tknow why CCasey is so clueless in using him against better post players.
Casey has tricked me into forgetting that Stiemsma even exists.

[hawksdogsbraves]

I agree that that should have been an and 1, but this one announcer is an awful homer, whining about not getting calls on just about every posession. Would hate to have to listen to him whine all season.

[Legends66NBA7]

Hope we see the Patterson - Amir - Johnson front court in the 4th.

[Cobra Kai]

ok

[Twiens]

Bench taking over!!!!

[Legends66NBA7]

Tie game.. Ugh, keep the bench in...

[Qwyjibo]

Tie game.. Ugh, keep the bench in...
Well, it wouldn't hurt to at least get Lowry into this game.

[Cobra Kai]

tie

[Qwyjibo]

Lowry time, NOW. Get Vasquez outta there.

[Legends66NBA7]

Well, it wouldn't hurt to at least get Lowry into this game.

Amir too.

Should be coming in now.

[Fire Colangelo]

Got back just in time for the last couple minutes.

Doesn't look like we're playing well.... probably getting raped by Magic front court?

[Legends66NBA7]

Patterson, Lou, and James have been great in this 4th.

[Legends66NBA7]

DeMar should not be in the game.

[Fire Colangelo]

two good defensive possessions.

[It's A VC3!!!]

Why is Vucevic coming for the ball with two seconds left. Dumbass Magic roster. Frye should have came to the ball for a last second hoist, not the center.

[Qwyjibo]

I'm not the biggest Ross fan but boy is he ever money on the open 3. It's something the Raptors really need given the composition of the rest of their starting lineup.

[Ariza4three]

Here come the refs!

[outbreak]

Here come the refs!

They've been horrible through out the whole game for both teams to be honest. I've been annoyed at some calls going against orlando but at the same time there's been some dodgy ones our way aswell.

[Qwyjibo]

Just when I had something nice to say about his game, there's Ross getting lost on defense again.

[Fire Colangelo]

Just gota close this one out now.

[Ariza4three]

Refs.

[Ariza4three]

Toronto sure as hell plays like an international team with all the flopping they do.

[It's A VC3!!!]

That wasn't a foul. Oh well, the Raptors win. Magic just couldn't play any defense. Hit some nice shots but a game came down to defense.

[Qwyjibo]

Toronto sure as hell plays like an international team with all the flopping they do.
"Flopping" is a skill these days. The refs aren't very good so it pays off to take advantage of them. It would help Orlando if Payton learned it since he's got no jump shot.

[It's A VC3!!!]

Fournier you selfish shit, pass the ball. That was a close look but you had two defenders on you.. :facepalm

[Legends66NBA7]

That wasn't a foul. Oh well, the Raptors win. Magic just couldn't play any defense. Hit some nice shots but a game came down to defense.

What wasn't a foul ?

[Qwyjibo]

Yikes. Patterson was definitely not an ideal option to get the inbounds pass.

[Ariza4three]

"Flopping" is a skill these days. The refs aren't very good so it pays off to take advantage of them. It would help Orlando if Payton learned it since he's got no jump shot.
It would help you if you brush your teeth every night.

[Qwyjibo]

It would help you if you brush your teeth every night.
I do. And I floss. Sometimes use listerine too but I know I should do it more often. Thanks for the reminder though.

[Kungfro]

Liked seeing johnson finish the game, suspect we'll see that a lot more this season.

[Qwyjibo]

A crappy 3 quarters by the Raptors but in the end, superior talent still won out. That's not going to work against many teams in the NBA though. JV and Derozan need to play much better. Ross too on defense.

[Ariza4three]

Loss is on Vaughn again and refs. No Payton the entire 4th and the penetration killed us. That and the Raptors flopping buried us.

[Fire Colangelo]

Only watched the 4th.

- Bench (James Johnson, Patterson, Lou) played great in the 4th
- Ross needs to focus on defense

Demar and Val had an off game, can't have that and expect to win.

A win's a win tho, 7-1 baby! :banana:

[Legends66NBA7]

A crappy 3 quarters by the Raptors but in the end, superior talent still won out. That's not going to work against many teams in the NBA though. JV and Derozan need to play much better. Ross too on defense.

Agreed. They have to play with the same intensity they did vs the Wizards.

Also, Vasquez has to play a lot better too. Been bad to start the year.

[Legends66NBA7]

Liked seeing johnson finish the game, suspect we'll see that a lot more this season.

He's a versatile option at the 3 or 4. Just loved his play at both ends tonight.

[No.45]

Our depth carried us. 7-1 let's go.

[Finger Roll]

James Johnson might be the best free agent signing of the year.

[red1]

:pimp:

[Sham]

James Johnson might be the best free agent signing of the year.

Lou Williams says hi :cheers:

[Sham]

Unbelievably crappy 3 quarters. Nice resilient comeback and win. Props to the bench.

[Legends66NBA7]

Lou Williams says hi :cheers:

Wasn't a FA. Got Lou (and Bebe) in a trade.. for John Salmons of all people.

[Dave3]

Wasn't a FA. Got Lou (and Bebe) in a trade.. for John Salmons of all people.
:bowdown: I believe in Masai:bowdown:

[All Net]

Great 4th quarter

[Sakkreth]

Jonas better start playing like he can.