Good win for the Raptors last night as they dominated a very good team in the Houston Rockets, although it looked like Houston's collective heart wasn't in it for much of the contest. Toronto did a nice job defensively as they were active and aggressive and head coach, Jay Triano, went back to a trapping defence in certain situations to heighten the team's intensity. Toronto forced Houston into 22 turnovers and in turn converted them into 27 points. The Raptors, who are near the bottom of the NBA ledger when it comes to points in the paint, outscored the Rockets 40-30 in that category.
As for Tracy McGrady, well it was not one of his better performances as he is usually booed lustily any time he returns to the court in Toronto. But, last night was different as there was only a smattering of cat calls as the crowd really didn't seem to care. According to this account, it didn't seem like McGrady did either. I chatted with him pre-game and it sure seems like his knee is a bigger health issue that people understand. Although he had arthroscopic surgery quite a while ago, May 6th, it was more than just a little "clean out" and it looks like he is still feeling the effects.
The 73 points for the Rockets was a season low and for a team with high expectations perhaps it was just one of the nights in the old 10-10-62 formula. They say that there will be 10 games in the season where nothing goes right and you are destined to lose, while there will be 10 contests where everything goes your way and the stars align for an easy win. But, it's the other 62 games where your team bears its identity. Regardless, they were not happy in Houston last night as it was a combination stinker for the Rockets while being just what the doctor ordered for the ailing Raptors.
Raptor fans may get a glimpse of Sam Mitchell in the near future. No he won't be back on the sidelines but instead he will be working in studio for NBA-TV. The Atlanta based operation is planning on having the former Toronto coach doing some work for them in an analyst's role along side Steve Smith and Eric Snow. Mitchell says he had many phone calls from people wishing him well since leaving Toronto, including a few from unexpected place and some from current NBA head coaches inviting him as he put it "to come hang out with them". Another former Toronto bench boss, Butch Carter, has his name in circulation as well for a coaching position.
Kevin Garnett is willing to continue being a caretaker for the game and working with any Celtic that wants to improve his performance. He has recently focused his attention on Patrick O'Bryant the same way Kevin McHale and Sam Mitchell worked with him on his way up the NBA ladder.
Speaking of the Celtics, I'm not so sure I would mess with a good thing but it sure seems like Boston is considering bring in Stephon Marbury. For his part, Marbury says he would be "honoured" to play for the Celtics but there is nothing imminent with Boston considering he has not reached a buyout agreement yet with the Knicks in New York. Again, I'm not sure I would upset the chemistry of a title team but on the other hand this might be a good time to sign a highly-motivated Marbury who once again has something to prove. He said he came to camp in shape and ready to compete in Gotham only to find out he wasn't in the team's plans. The experiment could blow up in the Celtics' faces like a kid with a junior chemistry set but then again, if anyone can harness Marbury's skills as a quality back-up, it would be the Boston's head coach Doc Rivers and a team that "polices" itself like the Celtics. So what about the relationship between Marbury and Garnett? Sounds like KG is on board having Steph present to strengthen the bench.
