Prior to discussing anything regarding the game, I’d like to have a moment of silence. I don’t know if anyone saw the pregame video montage, but it brought back some memories. It’s the Raptors 15th year, so there are clips from all the franchise’s seasons and players. I saw a clip of Charles Oakley and Alvin Williams. So, in honour of the Raptors past ability to defend, be men, and fight/scrap like basketball was their life, let’s have a moment of silence to that. Maybe if we realize who has come before us, we can take some notes from them on how to man up out there.

Devlin and Rautins summed up my very mentality before the game. The Raptors can score, but can they defend? That’s the question. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but that’s really going to be a point of discussion all season long. I’m no math genius, but I’m hoping the Raps defensive progression will be exponential - a gradual ramp up at first, and then busting out of the gates at the end. A man can dream. And based on first half vs. second half defense tonight, I’m praying that my dream’s starting to come true…

Final Score: TOR 99 – CHI 89

To start the game, the Raps gave Bosh four straight touches down low. I love it. You’ve got to solidify your star player to start the game (especially when he’s averaging 29 pts and almost 12 boards a game). Not only for that reason, but I think Triano was aiming to get Joakim Noah out of the game as fast as possible. In the last few games, Noah has a total of 30+ rebounds, with 21 last night against Denver. With the Raps deficiencies in offensive rebounding, anything you can do to get him off the glass is a bonus. The Raps were outscored on second chance points 12-0 in the first half, but, in the second half this turned right around. Good to see.

Jose was starting to look a lot more comfortable out there. A couple times in a row we saw his patented stop and go to the bucket leading to some easy layups. For once, he was making a defender look like a pole instead of the other way around. I like it. To quote him after the game, “We’re a second half team. I’m back – Jose want to play like Jose again”. Bring it on buddy.

In DeMar’s minutes, he did a very solid job out there. He’s letting the game come to him and not forcing anything. He scrapped for some boards, crammed one home, hit a couple open shots, and best of all, he didn’t take anything that wasn’t there. DeMar didn’t let up after his good first half. Aggressive, intense and strong in the second. For a young dude, I’m liking what I’m seeing. I think Triano has a plan for DeMar, and I like how it’s working out so far.

Bargnani. Did you eat your pre-game pasta? Please play some defense. When you hedge on a screen, you’re supposed to go back to your man. You don’t hedge and stay on the guy you’re helping to guard. It’s called a hedge because you watch for a second until the help comes, and then you pop back and guard your own man. I counted at least five times where Bargs was the cause of wide open shots. Not getting back to your man forces everyone else to scramble to save your ass. Team defense is key, but you still can’t leave them out to dry. I think Bargs saved his pasta for half time, because this was much better come the second half. Everyone has off nights, I’m not too worried.

The Bulls haven’t scored 100 all season, and we let them drop 60 in the first half while shooting 52% from the field. Not going to cut it…But then we go and totally redeem ourselves! We turn around and hold them to 29 points in the second half. I don’t know if this is the fact the Bulls were tired from a back to back, but I’m not going to let anything ruin my happy mood that we won a game and held a team to under 100 points for the first time this season, so I’m going to blame the Bulls bad shooting in the second half to the Raps toughening up on D. Take it or leave it.

For the first time in a handful of years, I’m not overly scared when our bench comes on the floor. It’s a nice feeling to say the least. Knowing that the guys coming in can provide a spark as opposed to letting the other team get the momentum is a nice change. Amir Johnson playing pressure full court D as well as changing shots and grabbing some boards? Antoine Wright with a massive two handed block against the backboard? What up.

I think it’s fitting to end off the post-game with some props to CB4. He proved once again why he’s the leader of this team. Bosh is a stud when it comes to working and setting an example. Enough said.

We move to 4-4 on the season. Raptors win, Raptors win, Raptors win. Keep ‘em coming boys.

Jordan Steffler
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Devin Pfrimmer  - Twin Rimm 2009-11-12 09:47:34 | Quote Good game overall - although the D picked up in the second half, the Bulls did do there best to make the Raps look good. I appreciate the Swirsky shout out at the end. Leo sucks. 2 0

Seb Beitel 2009-11-12 09:52:50 | Quote It's really god to see the Raps gutting one out like that. I know the D has been awful but they've at least shown this year that when they are really going after it they can be a pretty good defensive team. They just have to find a way of doing that for 4 entire quarters. I don't think last year's Raps could have pulled that win together. They didn't have the personnel to make enough stops. This years team has the personnel i think (Amir, Jack, Wright) but only seems to put it together when inspired. I'm hopeful. Results like this one might be the push they need to sustain the effort level. 2 0

Jordan Steffler 2009-11-12 10:07:27 | Quote Just a note to anyone who takes the time to read this - I made a wording error about holding a team to under 100 points. What I meant to say was it looked like we were going to let a team score more than 100 for the first time this season, but then still held them to under 100. Bring back Swirsky! 2 0

Rizwan Jafri 2009-11-12 10:34:32 | Quote Great second half game for the Raps. If they can bring that intensity during the entire game they will be racking up the W's. One thing I loved about the game was Reggie Evans. The guys not even playing and I'm impressed. Can't wait to see him on the floor. 2 0

Seb Beitel  - re: 2009-11-13 09:54:50 | Quote Jordan Steffler wrote: Bring back Swirsky! For the love of god do not bring back Swirsky. 0 0