There has been much talk of the Raptors opponent on Friday, the Atlanta Hawks, and how it laid a beat down on Toronto in Atlanta during the last meeting.
The Hawks got out of the gate early as Toronto had a difficult time containing Mike Bibby, who scored all of his 19 points in the first half thanks to the help of four three-point baskets. Interesting that Bibby did not work that hard defensively as the Hawks crossed the match up and had Joe Johnson guard Jose Calderon and Bibby cover Anthony Parker.
It looks like Toronto is planning to be more aware of Bibby on rotations in the second meeting. It would be better if they could just keep Johnson out of the lane and contain some of the dribble penetration which would mean less help and fewer rotations. But that is much easier said than done. Parker forcing Bibby to work on defence may take some of the bounce out his step and it looks like that is what the Raptors may try to do. Barring that, the way Joey Graham played in the last game against Charlotte, it would not be a problem to put Graham in at the off guard spot for Parker, allow him to cover Johnson, and then post up Bibby at the other end. Graham played in the low post during his college days and is very comfortable and effective at times, playing the role of undersized big man on the inside.
Maybe it's a coincidence but the big win by Atlanta and the one of the worst blow-out losses early last year at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks came with former Raptor assistant, Jim Todd sitting on the opposition's bench. "J.T." was part of Toronto's coaching staff for three years and has spent five years in total with Sam Mitchell. He knows Sam and his philosophy very well. Adjustments are what it is about for Toronto on Friday.
So Chris Bosh is talking about being MVP, huh? Well good for him. The guy's playing at a high level and has been one of the best players in the NBA for the first portion of the season. Why not set your sights high? Confidence is a big thing and you need it at this level. We're past the insecure high school days where someone has to convince you that you are a good player. If you don't go out there with the attitude that ' I can play this game' then you are going to get drilled. Bosh's MVP run will depend on the bottom line: wins. It's not surprising to hear that from Bosh. It always amazes me when people comment on a player's quote about his team winning a game. They ask, "Is that a guarantee?" What's the guy supposed to say? No, the other team's going to win.
It's all coming out now. The deep rift between Stephon Marbury, who was suspended by the team for his actions, or lack thereof, in Detroit on Wednesday night, and head coach Mike D'Antoni is quite extensive. Marbury said he wouldn't trust D'Antoni to walk his dog across the street.
It may not have been a popular choice to practice on Thanksgiving morning but rookie head coach in Detroit Michael Curry did what he felt he needed to do to help his team improve and develop the needed chemistry. Then newest Piston, Allen Iverson, who probably could have benefitted from the practice time with his teammates decided not to attend and will pay the price, literally and figuratively as he will sit on the bench to start Friday's game in addition to being fined by the team. Nobody could have been happy with practicing but with Detroit 5-5 since the trade that brought Iverson in from Denver and the other four starters seeing their shooting percentages plummet, a practice may not have been a bad idea.
Can the Lakers overcome another long term injury to Andrew Bynum. It was widely accepted that the young big man could have made a difference in the NBA Finals last season against Boston. Not sure if he would have helped the Lakers defeat the Celtics as it would have been his first appearance that deep into the playoffs. He has only worked with Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, he still has a long way to become anything close to The Captain.
