« Raptors Report
Week 23
|
|
The Milwaukee Bucks had an extremely surprising season last year, qualifying for the playoffs behind the outstanding play of centre Andrew Bogut, and rookie point guard Brandon Jennings. In the post-season they played tough against the Atlanta Hawks – a superior team. Over the summer, Corey Maggette was brought in with the hopes he would put the Bucks over the hump.
That has certainly not happened, and Milwaukee currently sits out of a playoff position in the weak Eastern Conference, due in large part to a long-term injury to Jennings. The Raptors looked to deal a blow to the Bucks’ playoff chances on Wednesday night at the ACC. The home team appeared poised to do just that after building up a 10-point first quarter lead. Milwaukee responded in the second and took a 3-point edge into halftime. The second half was neck and neck, but former Raptor Carlos Delfino iced the game for his team with a key steal and an ensuing three-pointer. The Bucks came away with the 104-98 win. Toronto had to go without both their point guards for a stretch, with Jerryd Bayless being ejected for a flagrant foul, and Jose Calderon walked off the court with a hamstring issue.
Heading into the season, many thought the Chicago Bulls would be contenders in the Eastern Conference. Already equipped with essential pieces such as Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose and Luol Deng, the Bulls signed prized power forward Carlos Boozer last summer. Chicago has surpassed these high expectations and are atop the East standings, ahead of the powerhouse Boston Celtics and the much hated Miami Heat. Not many would have believed Rose would be the frontrunner for MVP, and leading a championship run. Surprisingly, the Raptors were able to give the Bulls a serious run for their money in this one, despite missing two starters. It wasn’t until Kyle Korver hit two big jump shots late in the fourth that the Bulls were assured victory. The final was 113-106. Youngsters Jerryd Bayless and DeMar DeRozan led the way with 26 points each, but Rose stole the show with 36 points and 10 assists.
Coming off a hard fought loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Raptors were in tough on the tail end of a back to back against the Orlando Magic. Toronto would have to go without Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon in the lineup. Calderon’s absence could be a blessing in disguise, forcing Jerryd Bayless into heavy minutes. The young point guard made the most of his opportunity, thriving in the spotlight. Bayless put up 23 points and 8 assists. As is so often the case with the Raptors, they control the opening quarter, falter in the second, then play tough in the second half and come up short. Things seemed to be heading that way once again, but with the game tight in the final period, the Raptors maintained their composure, and took advantage of an undermanned Magic team. Toronto ended up on top 102-98. DeMar DeRozan led his team with 24 points, and Orlando’s Dwight Howard amassed 31 in defeat. The game marked the first time Hedo Turkoglu returned to the Air Canada Centre, and he was the target of the fans while on the court.
Next week, the Raptors square off with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets