Game Preview #6: Toronto Raptors @ San Antonio Spurs
by Tim C. on Nov 9, 2009 1:00 AM CST
in Game Previews & Recaps
33 comments
The Maglev has left the station. You'd better get used to it, Findog.
After the last 2 games went horribly awry, the Spurs need a win to tread water. Let me just say it up front: I think they'll get that win tonight. But how will it go down? That's why we watch.
Join us after the jump for your preview.
In the last game, we learned that the new-look Spurs are capable of playing defense, thanks in large part to the efforts of Keith Bogans. Pop started the Bogeyman, who hounded Brandon Roy defensively early in the game, and even managed to hit half his shots on the offensive end. With that in mind, I think he'll get the start again, and be assigned to pester rookie DeMar DeRozan. Pop might also start Manu if he's concerned about our starting unit's offensive production. Another new starter is George Hill, but that is definitely not the result of Pop's experimentation. Tony Parker is out, and while we all hope his ankle heals soon, the Spurs are going to have to compete without him for a few games. George's defense should help to make up for his relative lack of offensive prowess.
 Toronto Raptors @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: November 9, 2009, 7:30 PM Spurs time Watch: FSN SW(San Antonio); RTV(Toronto)
How They Stack Up
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Matchups
|
||
 George Hill Cubits |
Point Guard With all the things I had to say about Parker's absence being a net positive for the Spurs, this game will be a trial by fire for George. A very, very intense fire. Calderon is quite possibly the most underrated PG in the league. This season, he's off to a slow start by his standards, but you won't find his contributions on any normal stat sheet. He's deceptively effective, with a very high b-ball IQ - much like a certain Argentine we all adore(and who might see some minutes at the point as well). Keep an eye on this, because Calderon is smart enough to spot any weakness in George's game and exploit it.Advantage: Raptors |
 Jose Calderon Smart Player |
|
||
 Manu Ginobili The Batman |
Shooting Guard DeRozan is a promising rookie, and the Raptors made a good choice by drafting him. He's quick, and has the length of a SF, even though the Raps use him at the 2 spot. He's a guy that has a lot of tools in his arsenal, but doesn't have one go-to skill that gives him an advantage over everyone yone else(much like our own Malik Hairston). Speaking of Hairston, he should be on the active roster for the first time all season - maybe we'll have our first Malik sighting of the year. Oh and Manu is definitely better than any SG Toronto has to throw at us. Advantage: Spurs |
 DeMar DeRozan Newbie |
|
||
 Richard Jefferson Overpaid |
Small Forward Hedo certainly has changed from the timid player he was when he wore the silver and black. A more confident style of play helped Orlando reach the finals last season, and earned him a huge payday in the offseason. He's the complete opposite of RJ in terms of style, which means it's a mismatch on both ends. Hedo's more of a finesse player, while Rage is at his best when he's driving the lane and attacking the rim(see video below). Both of them are learning how they fit with their new teams, and haven't been as effective as they will probably end up being by the end of the year. This is close, but RJ has looked like he's finding himself as of late. Advantage: Spurs |
 Hedo Turkoglu Slightly Less Overpaid |
|
||
 Tim Duncan Where's My Ice Thrown? |
Power Forward Timmy clearly hasn't been himself so far this season, while Bosh is looking better than he ever has. He's been a monster so far, and is even sinking the occasional 3-ball(he's shooting 100% from deep). He's been the best PF in the league thus far, according to Hollinger(check out #7, too). But Timmeh is cunning, and will probably find a way to limit him, even if he can't jump over a lima bean. And DeBeast is going to eat Amir Johnson's lunch. Advantage: Tied |
 Chris Bosh Mark Cuban is Salivating |
|
||
 Antonio McDyess Look Ma, I Can Shoot |
Center Speaking of Toronto big men having career years, check Bargs out. Go back to that link for Hollinger's PER listings, and look at #9. He takes a lot of long-range shots like Mehmet Okur, and he makes them at a devastating clip. But unlike Okur, his game doesn't end there. He's also a good rebounder, and even blocks shots. Dice has a nice mid-range game, and Bonner has a nice 3-point stroke(sometimes), but both of them are vastly overmatched. Bargs is finally looking as if he may have been worth that #1 overall pick the Raps used to get him. This is our worst mismatch on the floor, and not even Theo Ratliff can defend this guy's inside-out game. Advantage: Raptors |
 Andrea Bargnani Okur 2.0 |
|
||
 Dejuan Blair The Beast |
Bench & Role Players Since we can't possibly hope to stop the Raptors' ridiculous frontcourt tandem, maybe a different strategy is worth a try. Toronto really has nobody outside of Bosh who can defend Dejuan, and he can help us play keep-away on the boards. This is probably his best opportunity to give us a boost so far(think foul trouble for their bigs) in the young season, and I hope Pop lets him take advantage. For Toronto, Jarrett Jack gets a lot of minutes off the bench, but that's just an indicator of a weak bench. For us, there's too many guys to mention, but everyone knows we're deep already. As an aside, we might see Rasho get some minutes at some point tonight, especially if Dejuan gives them hell. Advantage: Spurs |
 Jarrett Jack Less Than Photogenic |
|
||
 Gregg Popovich GOML |
CoachLook, I have no idea who Jay Triano even is. That alone is enough to give Pop the nod here. Advantage: Spurs |
 Jay Triano Uhh... Who? |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
|
||
 |
Other Factors
|
|
|
Intangibles |
||
| We're undefeated at home, and Toronto is finishing up a pretty nasty road trip. Advantage: Spurs |
||
|
Mojo |
||
| Toronto got taken to the woodshed(to quote Sean Elliot) on Saturday by the Mavs. They're going to be angry. But we're going to be even more angry, and desperate. Advantage: Spurs |
||
|
Winner: Spurs |
||
| Yeah, I get the feeling we're going to trounce them. Even without Tony, we still have an amazing array of weapons to throw at them, plus we play the game on both ends of the floor. Prediction: 110-93, Spurs |
||
Keys To The Game
|
Last Time They MetThe Spurs and Raptors last met in Toronto on February 11th, in the infamous Roko Ukic game. Bargnani had a great game, as he probably will again, and Roger Mason was the only Spur outside of the big 3 to score more than 2 points. That was an ugly, ugly game. |
Some Other ReadingRaptorsRaptors HQ - Here you'll find SB Nation's Raptors blog. Intelligent writing and good analysis abounds - go take a look. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: Tim and Graydon still do their thing like nobody else on the TrueHoop Network. We're lucky to have them. The (sort of) Daily Twitter
More AnalysisA while back, BlaseE did one of his great "My Team is Better Than Yours" articles on the Raptors. It's a good read, and he came to this conclusion:
|
The Magic That HappenedNothing bad happened! Not changing that until we win one.
Some Other ViewingYou've seen it once, you've seen it a thousand times. And you want to see it a thousand more times.
|
Where to Tune InTVThis game will be televised locally in San Antonio(Fox Sports SW) and Toronto(RTV, whatever that is) OnlineAs always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance. Spurs League Pass audio is still free this year if all else fails, so check it out. RadioIf you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM). |
0 recs |
33 comments
| Add comment
|
Email
Print
Comments
Like you said, there isn’t anyone outside Bosh who can match up with Blair. He needs to be in the game early and often to establish a physicality to the game.
Just call me The Profit
by Manuwar on Nov 9, 2009 1:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Let me just give you a reference for how bad things could get for Toronto with Blair in the game:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbafgpct&league=nba&sort=fg%&season=2010
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbarebound&qual=true&qual=true&sort=totreb&league=nba&split=0&season=2010&seasontype=2&seasontype=2&avg=48&pos=all
That’s right, our super-sub big man leads the NBA in field-goal percentage, and he’s second in rebound rate. Pop would have to be crazy not use him against such a soft defensive team.
The Spurs - not playing defense anymore, since 2008.
by Tim C. on Nov 9, 2009 2:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We need to start running High-Low sets with McDyess and Duncan/Blair the way we used to with Robinson and Duncan. Oberto used to run it too even though he wasn’t much of a jump shooter because he was such a great passer.
Just call me The Profit
by Manuwar on Nov 9, 2009 1:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
The Raptors and Spurs records should be the other way around.
If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross
by Hipuks on Nov 9, 2009 1:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
The Raptors are 3-3.
Just call me The Profit
by Manuwar on Nov 9, 2009 1:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right you are.
If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross
by Hipuks on Nov 9, 2009 2:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
good preview. I too was thinking that this should be a game where Blair can dominate, but didn’t want to jynx it. Oh well. As long as the defense makes to trip from Portland, I’ll be happy.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Nov 9, 2009 2:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is there a wallpaper of RJs dunk yet? I neeeed one in my life.
Good preview, hopefully we destroy them.
by joe20 on Nov 9, 2009 7:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think I’d ever seen DeMar DeRozan before. For some reason, I always pictured DeMarre Carroll in my head.
by BlaseE on Nov 9, 2009 10:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
In case I missed the official announcement somewhere else, Hairston is activated in place of Parker like we all thought would happen…
by BlaseE on Nov 9, 2009 11:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
now all we need is a blowout win (or loss) and Hairston should get some guaranteed playing time.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Nov 9, 2009 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Perfect.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on Nov 9, 2009 7:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No respect for Jay Triano?! Damn.
I’m a Raptors fan and am terrified of DaJuan eating us up on the inside. The claim that Bargnani is “a good rebounder” is very dubious, but this is an excellent preview.
by Vic De Zen on Nov 9, 2009 2:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I honestly don’t know who he is, but we rarely, if ever, put the white box on anyone other than Pop. Not really a slight against Triano, but acknowledgement of what Pop has accomplished in his career.
And I know Brags isn’t a great rebounder, but he’s good enough when Bosh is getting almost 12 a game by himself.
The Spurs - not playing defense anymore, since 2008.
by Tim C. on Nov 9, 2009 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
so by that logic… Bonner is a good rebounder. =]
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Nov 9, 2009 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re evil. Bargnani is somewhere is the 5-6 rpg range, if I remember correctly, whereas Matty is at 3.
The Spurs - not playing defense anymore, since 2008.
by Tim C. on Nov 9, 2009 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Matt’s at 3.2 in 20 mpg (7.7 per 48), and Bargnani’s at 6.8 in 34 mpg (9.6 per 48). I’ll take Bargnani, but it’s not that far apart.
by BlaseE on Nov 9, 2009 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if it helps, I think Jay Triano is the first Canadian to coach an NBA team from Canada.
by silverandblack_davis on Nov 9, 2009 5:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Guys, Raptors HQ put up a great preview this morning as well. They do a good job of breaking down the keys to the game, if you’re interested.
The Spurs - not playing defense anymore, since 2008.
by Tim C. on Nov 9, 2009 2:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the plug
The Raptors’ front court is carrying them right now. It will be interesting to see if Tim Duncan can slow down Bosh this evening… We’re pretty excited about the lack of Tony Parker, but then again some unheralded bench guy usually steps up and has a career game against the Raps.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Nov 9, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
At least you don’t have Roko Ukic to step up against us though…
by BlaseE on Nov 9, 2009 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You guys have a good team, I wouldn’t worry too much – unless someone steps up and has a huge game, you guys should be able to pull it out. (Come on RJ, turn it on man!)
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Artis Gilmore on Nov 9, 2009 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
RJ looking to bust through the no-dunk zone!
By the way, were the “My Team is Better” posts written for each team? I read several, then either the series stopped, or I didn’t notice the new posts.
by Gino20 on Nov 9, 2009 4:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I got too busy with work and Shadow Complex was released on XBLA. It pushed the posts so close to the regular season and into the preseason, that it would have been nearly impossible to finish them. I mean they took 3-5 hours each to research, write, find pictures/media, and then proofread. I just felt like they wouldn’t be as interesting as focusing on this season once we got into it. Last season had its moments, but with all the injuries and close losses, I’d rather turn the page to this team. I wish I had started with better opponents though.
by BlaseE on Nov 11, 2009 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Please, Pop, PLEASE give Malik Hairston minutes that matter; he could be Cubits 2008-09 Edition, if he’s given the opportunity.
"...and programmed to save the day!"
by transgojobot on Nov 9, 2009 5:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If we don’t win tonight, I’m gonna go bonkers over the Mavs preview.
by silverandblack_davis on Nov 9, 2009 5:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Where are the people in your neighborhood? In your neighborhood? In your neighborhoooood?
by silverandblack_davis on Nov 9, 2009 6:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bogans, Finley and Jeff in the starting line-up today.
by JaySo on Nov 9, 2009 7:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Join the community and dive in!
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
