Raptors @ Pistons: Tayshaun on the Raptors

Today the Raptors are playing a team that is having some struggles of their own, the Detroit Pistons. The Globe and mail did an article on the game titled "Pistons sympathize with Raptors' plight" (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090120.wsptgrange20/GSStory/GlobeSportsBasketball/home)



"Our expectations are to play good basketball," Pistons veteran Tayshaun Prince said. "We haven't been able to do that. We've been up and down. We're so inconsistent." .... "For one, they got rid of a great coach," Prince said of the Raptors' struggles. "And Jermaine O'Neal, this is his first season coming back for while, so you have to let that progress, especially coming to a new team. … It takes time when you have a new addition, like you've seen with us and Allen [Iverson]. They're going through the same thing."



I can see where Mr. Prince is coming from. Sam Mitchell did a good job coaching the Raps. He led them to a 8-9 record before being fired. Sam's record looks pretty nice compared to where we are now, eh? Don't get me wrong, I like Jay Triano and I think he is a great coach but I think Bryan Colangelo was a little quick in firing Sam. Prince also has a point with O'Neal. O'Neal hasn't been to bad this season. He has posted 6 double doubles in 28 starts including a monster 11 point 18 rebound effort against Miami. I know many Raptors fans may be getting excited at the prospect of Shawn Marion coming to TO (I'll admit it I am too) but dinoblogger (http://dinonationblog.blogspot.com/) explained to me it would only be until the end of the season and then Marion is a free agent. I'll agree with Tayshaun to some extent and say that we (the fans) and the Raptors (Bryan Colangelo) should be a little more patient.


Now, on to tonight's game. The Raptors need a win and they need to be aggressive. I see a tight game but the Raptors pulling out a close one.


TOR 99

DET 98


KEY PLAYERS


RAPTORS

Bargnani 25 PTS 6 REB 2 BLK


PISTONS

Iverson 18 PTS 2 STL 3 AST


OFF THE BENCH

RAPTORS

O'Neal 20 MINS 12 PTS 6 REB 1 BLK

PISTONS

Hamilton 30 MINS 17 PTS 5 AST 3 REB

CLOSING COMMENTS
Jermaine O'Neal will be playing tonight and Rip Hamilton will be coming off the bench. The Raptors have been having trouble finding the right player in crunch time. Tonight, the Raps will find their man, Andrea Bargnani will score the winning bucket.

S.B

There are really only two plays: Romeo and Juliet, and put the darn ball in the basket.-- Abe Lemons