Toronto Raptors (3-8) VS. Charlotte Bobcats (5-4) - Nov 21st

[enigmaboy89]

584VS.583

The Toronto Raptors are in town to play the RED HOT Bobcats! The Toronto Raptors are coming into this game looking for just their 2nd win on the road, as they lost to the 76ers last night in Philly. The Cats are coming into this game looking to start another winning streak, as they defeated the Bucks on Monday. Go CATS!!

Three Bobcats players will not be playing tonight as Tyrus Thomas, Gerald Henderson & Ben Gordon are injuried. While the Raptors will be without Alan Anderson, Laudry Fields & Kyle Lowry.

Game time - 7:00PM ET from the Time Warner Cable Arena

Game can be seen on:
585

[ohara831]

Was really hoping Ben Gordon would be able to go. We could use his outside shooting if the defense tries to pack it in and force our outside shooting. That is going to hurt some.

[isguros]

No Lowry? did something happen?

[Plowright]

Lowry played last night, he returned from is injury. He will be coming off the bench

[spectre]

Was really hoping Ben Gordon would be able to go. We could use his outside shooting if the defense tries to pack it in and force our outside shooting. That is going to hurt some.

I know this is a mean thing to say but I think with Gordon out our chances got a little better. I'm not that fond of Reggie either, but the WTF timeout only cost us the one possession. Gordon is usually good for dribbling the ball off his feet at least twice a game and accountable for I don't know how many points because his guy continually blows past him.

[SJackson1]

Gordon a big miss but kemba should get more minutes and good things happen when he's on the court !.

[isguros]

Rick Bonnel said:

Ben Gordon (bruised knee) in warmups. Guess that means he'll play, though he did not go through shootaround.

good news!

[TheBeagle]

Amazing game! Wish I coulda been there but I'll be damned if I'm fighting Thanksgiving traffic on 85. Nuh uh.
I could feel the electricity that I've been feeling at the games I've been to coming through the teevee throughout the second half. JT showed he's got the stones, baby! I knew he got much love from Dunlap about his defense coming into the season but I didn't realize he'd have that Raja-esque fire burning in him so brightly. Just a fantastic all-around game from Jeff who (broken record) continues to improve game after game. It was awesome as hell to see Biz have his breakout game this season for the ineffective Mullens. Good to see him wreaking that havoc inside like he did last season. The offensive board and followup flush on a couple Raptors was a thing of beauty and gives me much hope for the future. And then that chaos at the end where he helps on Derozan, blocks his followup, closes out on Bargnani to force the pass...what a relentless force of nature he is. Also loving the growing relationship between him and Gordo with that two man game they've shown. There's something special there as I think BG is showing a trust that no one else has and Biz is rewarding him by finishing the plays around the rim, and there's also the fact BG gets great release from Biz's screens. Just a really cool thing I've noticed over the first 10 games and a synergy that really took off tonight.
Another solid effort at the 1 from Kemba at both ends and another clutch moment with his and one to tie the game. And MKG...I never really realized just how quick he is, at least against NBA talent as opposed to his lone summer league game.
The image of the game that really stuck with me is at the end where BG goes up to Kemba and lifts him off the ground and is grinning from ear to ear. I think that says so much about the makeup of this team, its chemistry between player and player and coach and player, that a crotechty old vet like Gordo can celebrate a win against Toronto in November like it was the '04 NCAA title game. Just a great image. Just a great game.

GO CATS!

[BlockParty]

Definitely a fun game to attend. Here is the closing sequence. Hopefully more fans will start showing up!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noj2ExzECpY&feature=youtu.be

[ohara831]

The last two games are a great example of how the culture is changing in Charlotte. Behind in the 4th, and last season the team just deflated and felt a sense of helplessness. And we the fans did as well. Behind in the 4th, we were destined to lose the game.

Now, this team refuses to lose. You can see it in their hustle, their drive and their excitement on the court. They believe in themselves and that they will win the game. As much as people talked about MKG being the catalyst for this "change of culture", I think that Dunlap is just as much - if not more - of the reason. I have seen interviews with the players, and they always talk about how much they love the coaching they get. They have totally invested in Dunlap's philospohy. They play defense, support each other, and fight every second of the game. That does not come from just 1 new Rookie. That also comes from hours of practice, and having a Coach pound into your head that you can and will win, and that you MUST do your job and you MUST be there to back your teamates at all times. This is a "team" in every sense of the word. And they believe in each other and their coaches. And that is something crucial to a team becoming a winner. Which is what every one of us here have been craving since we first joined BCP.

[dnbman]

Missed this one! What was up with the crazy block numbers by point guards? Kemba and Lowry with 3 each? Gordon with 2?

[Keetch]

Well said Beags and Ohara; thanks for your posts.

[Keetch]

Dnbman; it was a somewhat sloppy game; fast and kind of wild. Kemba was everywhere on defense reached for some blocks and got them when the shooter was unawares.

You would have loved Biyombo; he was awesome - actually scoring the ball. Mullens had a few moments but otherwise a frustrating night trying to guard Bargnani's shot fakes. That and his poor shooting helped keep the Raptors in the game.

And as Spectre predicted; Ben Gordon actually did dribble the ball off his knee in the first half.

[spectre]

Dnbman; it was a somewhat sloppy game; fast and kind of wild. Kemba was everywhere on defense reached for some blocks and got them when the shooter was unawares.

You would have loved Biyombo; he was awesome - actually scoring the ball. Mullens had a few moments but otherwise a frustrating night trying to guard Bargnani's shot fakes. That and his poor shooting helped keep the Raptors in the game.

And as Spectre predicted; Ben Gordon actually did dribble the ball off his knee in the first half.

He also had a pass from Kemba in the paint bounce right off his hands which got Kemba one of his TOs. He is SOOO frustrating for me but I will admit he did some good things too. He's the only guard really who's willing to pass it to Biz in the paint and last night he was finally rewarded for it.

I thought we looked subpar in the 1st & 3rd quarters especially and we made a lot of mistakes in this game. What I really love tho is when they start settling for crap shots/stupid stuff and Dunlap calls a timeout...right after we start playing a LOT better. It can't be said enough the bond these players have with each other and the coach. It's truly something very special.

[Keetch]

After Mullens got his second foul trying to guard Bargnani; Dunlap subbed in Biyombo at PF. How do you say "Oh Shit" in Italian?

[SJackson1]

Kemba with 6 blocks this season !!, at 6ft 1 he gets a few blocks for his size

[adam187]

I know this is a mean thing to say but I think with Gordon out our chances got a little better. I'm not that fond of Reggie either, but the WTF timeout only cost us the one possession. Gordon is usually good for dribbling the ball off his feet at least twice a game and accountable for I don't know how many points because his guy continually blows past him.

just saw this and the thanks in the other thread, knew i couldn't be alone.

he is developing some good chemistry with biz like you guys said, so there are positives for sure.