It’s not a good sign when your closer gives it up twice in two tries. Jeremy Accardo blew his second save of the young season last night as the A’s came from behind and beat the Jays 6 – 3. Accardo plunked the first batter he faced and it was all down hill from there. He gave up 4 runs before he was yanked. He blew the save the day before as well. It’s been reported the Jays hope to have BJ Ryan ready in a week or so. The sooner the better.

There was good news however from a Canadian sports perspective as the Flames held off the Sharks and beat them 3 – 2 in the opening game of their playoff series. San Jose is favored to win but Calgary has always played them tough. Especially in the Shark Tank where the Flames won for the fourth straight time in the postseason. Hopefully they can make it 5 straight Thursday night.

As expected Sid the Kid and his fellow Penguins beat the Senators handily in their series opener. Marc-Andrea Fleury recorded his first career playoff shutout as Pittsburg won 4 – 0.  Gary Roberts acting like a kid himself but soon to be 42 set the stage early in the second shift of the game scoring the only goal the Pens would need. They did score three more with Roberts getting another one late in the game. This series could be over quick unless something happens and Ottawa has a major turn around.

Getting back to good news the Raptors got back to .500 for the season as they beat the Bucks 111 – 93. CB4 had a big game with a nice double double. He scored 32 and had 11 boards. Ex Raptor Charlie Villanueva led all players with a season high 38 points. Charlie V was traded for TJ Ford who had a decent game him self with 14 points in 22 minutes. That said I always liked Charlie and I still say he’d look great in a Raptors uniform. Nice to see ya Charlie.

The Leafs are done The Blue Jays are getting ready to start and the Raps are trying to figure out how to get in gear for their stretch drive. Math wise the Buds are still alive but in reality their season is done as they are 6 points out of a playoff spot with 5 games left.

There were a couple positives for the Leafs this year but a lot more negatives. It does look like they have a goalie they can count on going forward. They showcased a few young guys for the last bit of the year and if nothing else the experience will be beneficial next year. That said the team could look a lot different next fall. Who knows they may even have a different captain. Mats may decide he’s had enough. I for one hope that is not true.

The Jays season starts next week and both BJ Ryan and Scott Rolen will start it on the DL. Rolen broke his finger and has a screw in it now. The screw will be there for a couple of weeks and then they’ll take it out and see how it is. Ryan is just about ready but they are holding him back to make certain he’s OK long term. In the short term Jeremey Accardo will be closer to start the year. He should do fine but it’s too bad about Rolen.

The Raps are where they were at the start of the season. They are back to even playing .500 ball. A couple of weeks ago they were 6 games above .500. They are 2 and 8 in their last 10. Obviously they struggled when CB4 was down. Bosh has been back for a couple now but the team still hasn’t gotten back on track.

Players like AP and Calderon who have contributed big time all year aren’t quite getting it done right now. The season may be taking its tow a little on them. Jose just isn’t getting the double doubles the way he was and Parker has fallen off to low teens in points per game.  I think they really need another go to guy and as a team may be a little too soft.  They have twelve games left to get into playoff mode or it could be an early exit come play off time.

The week that was was more bad than good for a couple teams in the Great White North. The Raptors started the week off 6 games above .500. After 4 road loses without CB4 they are only 2 games above .500. They are 2 and 8 in their last 10. It looks like Bosh could be back mid-week and the sooner the better.

The Buds had an up and down week. They swept a back to back with Philadelphia the team they are chasing for the 8th and final playoff spot. They then got creamed by Buffalo Saturday night.

What little chance Toronto had of catching Philly went out the window with Saturday’s loss. The Leafs also lost Sundin for a bit with a pulled groin and big Nik Antropov their second top scored is also ####ed up and won’t be playing Tuesday against the Islanders either.

Toronto has enough trouble winning even when everyone is healthy so their chances of winning without their top two guns aren’t too good. The truth is though non of that really matters now. In reality the more loses the better down the stretch in the hunt for the best or worse depending on how you look at it chance in the lottery draft pick. The way I see it you might as well give Mats the rest of the year off. He certainly has earned it.

The Raps are 0 and 3 on their 5 game road trip. Game number 8 without Bosh went down as another loss. They got knocked around by the Nuggets in Denver 135 – 105.

A.I. broken finger and all had a game high 28 points while Carmelo Anthony kicked in 22.  Former Raptor first pick Marcus Campy had his 24th double double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

For Toronto Anthony Parker’s 16 points was the best they could do. Jose Calderon could only manage 4 points in 23 minutes. They shot a dreadful 25% from beyond the arc. The only real positive from the Raptors perspective could be that Kris Humphries contributed 12 points in 15 minutes.

The game was such a blow out that even Joey (stock to the pine) Graham got 8 points in 13 minutes of floor time. It’s been a long, long time since Joey saw anywhere’s near that amount of playing time.

That’s what happens when you give up a franchise record 79 points in the first half. Even the guys buried real deep on the bench get to play in the second half. Personally I’m surprised they even came out of the locker room to start the second half.

The Raps won a game without CB4. They beat the not so super Seattle Super Sonics Sunday afternoon 114 – 106 at the Hanger in TO. To put it into perspective Toronto has won more than twice as many games as the Sonics have this year so it was a game they were suppose to win.

A couple players besides Jose Calderon and Andrea Barqnani stepped up for the Raptors and had fairly strong games. Rasho Nesterovic subbbing for Bosh had a season high 17 points and AP – Anthony Parker had a game high 23. There were 6 Raps in double figures. TJ Ford played 20 minutes and hustled hard whenever he was on the floor.

The odd stat is that Andrea Barqnani was 0 for 7 from beyond the arc. He did lead everyone in playing time with 47 minutes which means there was a minute there that big Andrea was not on the floor. Regardless of how many points he got any player that plays 47 minutes of a 48 minute game certainly earned their pay cheque. Good job Andrea.

Toronto is now on an extended road trip and it looks like Bosh might not play for a week. The Raps are six games above .500 and for them to stay above more and more Raptors are going to have to continue earning the pay cheques and not take any days off. As is they already got one real important guy in sick bay and they can't afford for anyone else to call in sick.

The Raps had it, gave it away, clawed back, got it even sending it to overtime but in the end they were a couple buckets short loosing to the Wizard 108 – 104. Once again the Raptors missed their best guy Bosh and he may be out for a few more. Washington itself was down a couple key players including Gilbert Arenas their star point guard so injury wise it was a wash.

All in all Washington out shot Toronto. They were better at the line, better from beyond the arc, better from every where including where it counts most, on the scoreboard. That said Raptor Andrea Barqnani had a game high 27 points. Antawn Jamison led the Wiz with 25.

Toronto is going to need a couple of their starters besides Calderon and Barqnani to start coming up big while Bosh is out or they could find themselves in an extended slide. If Moon or AP can have stellar game or two it would help curve the tide. Otherwise it’s going to be a case of just trying to hold the fort until CB4 gets back on the court. Hopefully sooner than latter.

The team that plays basketball at the Air Canada Center beat the team that plays at the American Airlines Arena 108 – 83 Wednesday night. It was a good night for the Raptors as they stopped a 3 game slide. It was a bad night for the Heat as they continue their loosing ways. They have lost 29 of their last 32 games. That’s a lot of Ls.

Toronto didn’t shot exceptionally well but they went on a couple of big time runs. A 16 – 0 in the first quarter and a 15 – 0 in the third. Also in the third big Andrea Bargnani got a big knock on his noggin. He went up for a shot, had a big time collision and then he went down hard smacking his head on the floor. He knocked out a couple of teeth and had to leave the game. The reports are he’s OK.

Rasho Nesterovic starting in place of the injured Chris Bosh led the Raps with 16 points. Jamario Moon had a solid game with 4 steals, 3 blocks and 14 points in 27 minutes. No Raptor played more than 30 minutes and the scoring was spread out with 5 players in double figures. Every body got on the board except Joey Graham. Joey did get on the floor which is saying something. Sam put him out at the end of the blowout. Nice guy that Sam is.

Toronto teams where 0 and 3 today. The one was just practice so it doesn’t really count. The Jays lost to the Evil Empire otherwise known as the hated Yankees 2 -0 in an exhibition tilt. The Buds got beat by the Devils 4 – 1 and the Raps took it on the chin in Orlando getting whipped 102 – 87.

The Raptors have an excuse. Their best player Chris Bosh missed the better part of his third game in a row with a gimpy knee. Toronto is 0 and 3 without CB4. He’s an all-star for sure but it really looks like he is indeed the Raptors franchise player. They are not the same franchise without him as they are obviously not the same team either. Hurry back Chris.

The Maple Leafs have put themselves in a precarious position. For a brief moment they had a glimpse of a play-off spot. It was 6 points in front of them.  That was at the start of the game. When they eventually lost to New Jersey they where 8 points out of a playoff berth.

The trouble, from my perspective is that the little run Toronto has been on only recently only accomplished one thing. And that was get the Leafs too many points in the race for last. I don’t think Toronto can win that race any more and I don’t think they can make the playoffs.  A precarious position indeed.

The Raps got back at the Knicks big time at the ACC blowing them out 115 – 92. Andrea Bargnani led the way for Toronto with 25 points. TJ Ford had a great 4th quarter coming off the bench and scoring 15. CB4 had 17 and Anthony Parker had 16.

It may have been Bargnani best game as a Raptor. He used his 7 foot big body aggressively and had a huge game. Coach Mitchell was exceptionally complimentary with his praises of the big guy and Sam doesn’t dish them out often. It’s a dramatic turn around from a month or so ago when Mitchell had drastically cut back on Bargnani minutes.

If Andrea can continue to work and play hard with his un-canny shooting skills the sky is truthfully the limit. How high his star rises will be ultimately be determined by his efforts and his ability at learning and adjusting to match ups as time goes on. If he continues to progress it could be a very good thing as he is only 22 and it all is really still in front of him. He’s getting better and better and I am becoming a fan.

Go Andrea Go!

It’s the un-official beginning of the second half for the Raptors and they started off on the right paw. They clawed the Magic at the ACC winning big 127 – 110. The Raps are now a season high 6 games over .500. They are sitting pretty in the East. In the West they would be in a dino fight in regards to making the playoffs. That just shows the caliber of the teams in the West.

Toronto’s all-star CB4 started the second half with guns a blazing. He seemed to muscle up a bit more than normal and was rewarded with a 40 point night. Jose Calderon continues to impress with his grit, determination and play selection. He had another double double with 19 points and 13 pass-offs. Carlos Delfino also had a big night off the bench playing 29 minutes and scoring 23 points with 15 of them from beyond the arch.

The recently crowned slam dunk king Dwight Howrad knocked down 37 for Orlando who have been on a road tear this season. They are a league best 20 – 11 away from home so the margin of victory for Toronto should be noted. In fact it was the Magic’s first road loss in almost a month.

Toronto now has a back to back this Friday and Sunday with the Knicks. They should be able to grab both as New York seems to be in a consistent state of disarray regardless of where they are playing. From here on in every wins counts. Go Raps Go!

Captain Canada was showing off his Nike Trash Talk B-Ball shoes during the NBA All-star game. They are eco-friendly runners as such made from recycled product. It say’s a lot about Nash that Nike would go with him on this. It seems Steve is also an environmental MVP as well.

It also seems that Toronto has the best 3 point shooter in the league as Jason Kapano won the 3 Point Shoot out. He nailed 8 of his last 9 shots in his final round to win it. That’s back to back titles for Kapano as he won it last year as well. Now it’s back to the bench for Jason as he’s just a bit player for the Raps this season. That said anyway you look at it he sure can shoot em from beyond the arch.

In the game itself the East won what ended up being a close game 134 – 128. The East had led for most of the game but the West caught up with a couple of minutes left setting up a back and forth finish. Ray Allen scored half of his 28 points in the last three minutes nailing 3 pointer after three pointer.  King James had 27 points and was named game MVP. CB4 had 14 points in 22 minutes.

All in all there were 4 Raptors at the festivities as besides Bosh and Kapano, Andrea Bargnani and Jamario Moon played in the Rookie – Sophomore game Friday night. Moon is 27 and he played for the rookies, Barqnani is 22 and he played the sophomores. The 2nd year guys won big 139 – 109.

Moon had a better game getting 13 points to Barqnani’s 8. Jamario was also in the Slam Dunk contest but he was no match for the super slams of Dwight Howard who won going away. Howard performances were reminiscent of ex Rap Vince Carter’s spectacular show back in 2000.  Back when Vince was the face of the Raps. Back when the Toronto fans actually cheered for him. That was then but times have changed. This year Vince wasn’t even an all-star meanwhile there were 4 Raptors in the building.

Jay Triano became the first Canadian to coach an NBA team tonight as he ran the bench for the Raptors with Sam Mitchell away due to the passing of his wife’s father. Jay has an undefeated record as the Raps took it to the Nets 109 – 91.

Jose Calderon had another big night playing over 40 minutes and racking up what has now become his customary double double. He had 22 points and 12 assists. CB4 had a game high 27 points.

Jamario Moon showcased his spectacular dunking ability a few times giving a hint of what he’ll do in this weekend’s slam dunk contest during the NBA all-star celebration. Moon ended up with 15 points while Andrea Bargnani added 14. Bargnani definitely seems to have found his grove.

For the Nets former Rap Vince Carter had 15 points as well as a technical foul on a Bargnani 3 point attempt with just under 30 seconds left in the first half. Calderon knocked down the technical free throw and then Andrea drained his 3 free throws for that rare 4 pointer play. At the half Toronto was up by 21 and that was pretty well the game.

There was a buzz in the air at the ACC. Kobe was in town and he didn’t disappoint. The Laker’s star dominated the game with highlight play after highlight play. He racked up 46 points as LA beat the Raptors 121 – 101.

Andrea Bargnani was Toronto’s top score with 28 points. He seems to be playing with more confidence and he’s knocking down his mid range shots regularly. He went strong to the hoop a couple of times. The more he does that the tougher he’ll get. The tougher he gets and the harder he plays the better he’ll get.

CB4 was right on his season average of 22 points but it wasn’t one of his best games. He did have 15 boards but a few too many of his shots didn’t drop. Jose Calderon had 17 points and even though he got ####ed a round a little he kept hustling and making extra effort plays. He's playing like an all-star even if he didn't get chosen.

LA led from the get go and every time the Raps got with in striking distance Kobe had one of those highlight plays. Toronto got it within a basket a couple times during the 3rd quarter but the Lakers blew them out in the 4th. At the end it was only a matter of whether or not number 24 for the visiting team would knock down 50. He didn’t but he did get real close.

The Raps blew out the Whiz. It was almost the biggest margin of victory in Raptors history. As is the 39 point margin is tied for the most. At the end of the game which Toronto won ever quarter of the score was 122 – 83. This may have made up for yesterday’s overtime lose to these same Wizards.   

The best thing about the lopsided win was some guys got to play a little more and some guys got to sit a little more. Andrea Barqnani led the way in points as well as playing time. He’s the only Raptor that played over 30 minutes and he had a team high 19 points. There were 6 Toronto players that were in double digits in scoring. Bosh had 16 points in more or less hal####ame as he played just 20 minutes. Calderon had a nice tidy double double with 11 assists and 11 points in a few minutes more.

As a team Toronto shot over 70% from beyond the ark. All the shooting guards shot with precession from 3 point land. AP was 3 for 3, Carlos Delfino was 3 for 5 and Juan Dixon was 2 for 3. All in all pretty well everyone contributed in one way or another as everybody got an opportunity on the floor. There were a few that just saw a few minutes of playing time but the guys that needed to rest a bit did and the guys that needed to see some extended game action got it and so on.

Toronto is 7 and 3 in their last 10. They showed tonight that they can come back big after a tough loss. Hopefully there won’t be a whole bunch more tough losses but of course there will be losses. If they keep playing as they are they should keep winning more than they lose.  That’s really all you are looking for. You can’t win them all and they are some real good teams. Teams like the L.A. Lakers who will be in town in a few days to throw it up at the ACC. It’ll be Kobe against Chris, the Laker’s 24 against the Raps CB4. It should be good.

Raps win, Raps win. OK so it’s only one game but it was against the best the NBA has to offer. Toronto beat the Celtics 114 – 112. Ray Allen’s last second shot came up short and the Raptors got a big W. Lots of players contributed.

As a team the Dinos were 100% from the foul line and an impressive 71% from three point range. Four players had 20 or more points. Jose Calderon led the way with 24 points and 13 assists. Even Andrea Barqnani stepped-up and had his best game in ages. He played with confidence and ended up with 20 pints, 7 assists and 7 defensive rebounds. CB4 and AP both contributed 23 points each as well as lots of grit.

Over all Toronto out shot Boston and that’s why they won. They almost gave it away numerous times with a whole bunch of bad decisions and poor passes. There was turn over after turn over followed by missed shots that should have dropped. It was really a game of drastically different quarters but when it counted Calderon split the “D’ went up and laid it in.