Game 2 in the journey, as Kevin Garnett is calling it.
This will be an interesting match-up. The Celtics beat Toronto 89-85 in Europe in their first preseason game. Both teams have come a ways since then.
If people think Danny Ainge thinks differently, and I do, then the same must be said of Bryan Colangelo. He took a moribund Raptor roster that was heading nowhere, and transformed it in one preseason into a division winner with a 47-35 (.573). That was an incredible 20 game swing from the year before at 27-55 (.329) The Celtics are looking to do even better, as hard as that may be to believe.
He did it by reshaping the roster with a decidely Euro flavor. He added #1 draft pick Andre Bargnani to be the book-end to franchise player Chris Bosh and filling out the roster with Rasho Nesterovic, Anthony Parker, and Jorge Garbajosa, going against traditional thinking by trading a big for a small, PF Charlie Villanueva for lightning quick PG, T.J. Ford to add to to Jose Calderon.
This off season many think he overpaid for one of last season’s best 3 point shooters, Jason Kapono. But if Jason hits those threes, it opens up the lane for their two prized bigs – Bosh and Bargnani. The other unheralded addition was Detroit reject, Carlos Delphino.
Much maligned, and hard pressed for PT in Detroit, Carlos was reputed to play a pretty good defense. He played 34 minutes in the Raptor’s 37 point beat down of the Nets 2 nights ago, copping 4 steals, 6 boards, and 4 dimes while turning it over but once. Bryan has found another good fit for his ‘team first’ team.
I’ve been slow to be a believer in this Toronto team. If they put together another outstanding season, I’ll have to give credit where credit is due. I actually like what they are trying to accomplish.
Chris Bosh is coming off of a preseason knee injury, and has played limited minutes so far, though I’m sure he wasn’t needed in the 2nd half against the Nets. Bargnani is putting up solid numbers and looks like he has moved comfortably into the #2 option on the team.
These games could be precursors of a rumored NBA Europe division, one day.
So…Boston gets a real test today. The 2-0 Raptors are playing well and will get a second look and a second chance to vindicate themselves against the star laden squad that beat them in October.
T.J. Ford won’t be intimidated by the three stars, from Mike Ganter of the London Free Press….
“…..in between the lines it’s us against them.” “What makes Boston different than Jersey or different than Philly?” T.J. Ford asked yesterday after practice.
“It’s still five-on-five. It’s still basketball. Yeah, they have big names. Yeah, they’re all-stars. Yeah, those guys will probably be hall of famers. It’s all true, but between those lines those guys are just like us. They’re no different. I’m not looking at KG like he’s a hall of fame player
Boston won’t have the crowd on their side this time and will need to stand up to a tough team in their arena.
On a side note, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reported a near fight between Glen Davis and Leon Powe during practice yesterday, after Powe gave Davis a bloody nose during a scrimmage. Words were exchanged, but no blows. The two are competing for time at the back-up PF spot. Brian Scalabrine was the first off the bench and played 20 minutes in the opening game to each of their garbage time 2 minutes at the end. This particular story is a good one to watch. All three players bring something different to the game. How Doc decides who gets what PT, and what they do with it will be an ongoing story.
The real story today is how well Toronto defends agains Boston’s three stars. They solved New Jersey’s three stars pretty easily. And Boston will have it’s defense tested by a balanced scoring attack. James Posey will be available to play after serving his one game suspension.
Results later tonight.
T
