The beast
Defense and rebounding exist in Raptorland! After another shaky first half, Toronto put the clamps on the Bulls in the final 24 tonight, limiting them to 29 points in a 99-89 win at the ACC. The Raptors trailed 88-85 with just under seven minutes to go before making a defensive stand to close things out.
Tonight was part Toronto’s D and part Chicago not being able to throw a stone in the ocean in the second half. Still, a resilient effort considering this one looked to be slipping away when the Bulls grabbed an 11-point lead early in the third. The Raps finished with a 47-46 edge in rebounds and capitalized big off second-chance points. Chris Bosh led Toronto with 11 boards and DeMar DeRozan chipped in a career-best nine in just 19 minutes.
Bosh again led Toronto with 28 points despite not “having it” the way he usually does. He grinded, going 9-of-21, but made all 10 free throws and was a force on the boards in the team’s second half turnaround. Jose Calderon continued to play well, scoring 18 on 8-of-10 and adding six assists, while Andrea Bargnani managed 16 and six boards and Hedo Turkoglu checked in with 11 and eight.
Aside from Calderon, Toronto shot 36% from the field, making it all the more impressive they were able to come out with a win in this one. It took some will — something they’ll have to bring again if they want to contend in the East this year. For one night, at least, life is good.
I think triano jumped up and down on their heads, or let them watch part of the half-time talk on the radio and T.V. they were lightly going off on how chicago was on the other side of a back-to-back. hopefully, that shamed their asses into gear!!!!!
it’s time for a streak, to get distance for the eventual losing skid!!!!!
By: bill on November 12, 2009
at 7:40 am
I still cant believe buddy was drinking after the game.
By: Kyle on November 12, 2009
at 8:46 am
@bill: If anything, that losing streak is coming up on this road trip. Hopefully we’ll be able to take the Clippers Friday, because the final three are more than likely losses
@Kyle: That dude is still at Commuters Lounge as we speak…
By: Jeremy on November 12, 2009
at 12:31 pm
Am I the buddy?
By: JP on November 12, 2009
at 2:50 pm
No — it was some legend we ran into at Commuters Lounge…
By: Jeremy on November 12, 2009
at 5:16 pm
[...] for the Raptors is to D up or count on the Clippers to completely disappear in the second half, as Chicago did Wednesday at the ACC (though I’d say it was a combination of both that night). With Jose Calderon starting to [...]
By: Gameday: Raptors-Clippers « That's what I'm saying, guy… on November 13, 2009
at 12:41 pm