Raptors Post Game Report Card: Toronto Spanked in Boston
It hasn’t happened too often this season, but the Raptors got blown out Wednesday night in Boston. The Celtics annihilated them 93-76, snapping their 5 game losing streak and extending the Raps losing streak to 6. After the first half, the Celtics just turned on the jets and this game got out of hand.
Once again, Andrea Bargnani and Jerryd Bayless were out. However, both of them fully practised and have a great chance of playing Friday night against the Blazers.
James Johnson was inserted into the starting line-up in the place of Rasual Butler. It was inevitable. Butler wasn’t playing good basketball, and Johnson has outplayed him on both ends of the court.
Aaron Gray made his Raptor debut after missing the first part of the season due to a heart condition.
Let’s get to the report card:
Offence- D+
Positives
Gary Forbes finally earned some of his paycheck. Forbes scored a season high 18 points, and hopefully he will continue to provide a spark off the bench.
Negatives
Just another awful offensive game for a team that has struggled on that side of the floor. Shooting 38% from the field won’t win you many games.
DeMar DeRozan continued to slump, scoring just 11 points on 4-16 shooting. DeRozan has continued to attack, and hasn’t backed down despite his struggles. However, DeRozan has been missing some very make-able shots, and his confidence has certainly taken a hit from these woes. Having Andrea Bargnani back will certainly help take the pressure off DeMar, but he has to step up.
Defence- C+
Positives
The Raps were solid defensively in the first half, allowing 44 points.
Negatives
In the second half, the Celtics just shredded the Raps defence. Rajon Rondo carved up anyone who attempted to guard him, and ultimately, the Celtics proved to have too much talent for this young Raps squad to handle.
Rebounding- B-
Positives
Ed Davis was solid once again with 9 rebounds. Linas Kleiza had a nice output of 7 boards as well.
Negatives
The Celtics outrebounded the Raps 45-38, and showed why they are an elite rebounding team.
Overall, this was a tough one to watch. The Raps were simply outmatched by a superior talent, and let this one get out of hand in the second half.
The Raps will have a day off before the Portland Trail Blazers come to Toronto.
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