Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics : Box Score Boxing Nov. 21, 2010
Three In a Row.
The Toronto Raptors stunned the Boston Celtics for a one-point victory that was sealed in the final seconds and have now reeled off an impressive three-game winning streak that has surprised everyone outside of the Raptors locker room.
In a season where many predicted the Raptors to finish dead last, they have likely turned some heads by knocking off the last of three straight opponents, including the Boston Celtics.
The Raptors were led by Amir Johnson, who hit the game-winning free throw with less than five seconds remaining.
The fact the Raptors did this minus three bodies from the blockbuster trade consummated on Saturday is even more encouraging.
Now on to Box Score Boxing
Amir Johnson had a tremendous game for the Raptors with 17 points, 11 rebounds and one block on .800 shooting percentage while going a perfect nine for nine from the line.
Amir Johnson was clutch down the stretch and play some tight defense and hit the game-winning free throws against the Celtics.
Games like this are sure to have hardcore Raptor fans calling for his permanent insertion into the starting lineup.
Andrea Bargnani was on fire for the Raptors Sunday afternoon and finished the game with 29 points on nine for 20 shooting.
Though still impressive, he was not as efficient as in the past couple of games but he was feeling it in the fourth quarter and helped propel the Raptors to victory over the Celtics.
He managed to get to the line 13 times which is a career high for Andrea. This type of aggressiveness could help propel Bargnani to the next level as an NBA scorer and we hope it continues.
Reggie Evans was at it again for the Raptors who killed it with a near double double of nine points and 16 rebounds.
With the Raptors clearing up some of their roster in the trade with the Hornets there is now a small chance Raptor fans will get their wish and Reggie Evans will not be traded.
Jose Calderon got the start at point guard for the Raptors and responded with 11 points and only two assists in 33 minutes. The Raptors won so there is nothing to nitpick here, but we can all expect an uptick in his assist numbers going forward.
Sonny Weems has hit double figures yet again with 16 points on eight for 20 shooting.
Now we understand that Weems has been on fire lately, but 20 shots is a tad too much...but hey, they won.
DeMar DeRozan had only six points on two for eight shooting and continues to be inconsistent for the Raptors and is showing exactly why he was not given the No. 1 role despite many fans' wishes.
He added three assists, which ranked second on the team for the day, and the assist numbers continue to give hope for his future playmaking ability.
He still is not ready, but has been flashing brilliance that suggests this young guard will turn into one of the league's top scorers and most exciting players to watch.
Leandro Barbosa was strong off the bench for the Raptors with 12 points, five assists and one steal. Barbosa figures to have a bigger role going forward with the team trading away its starting point guard.
How Should Jay Triano Respond?
It has become obvious, against fantasy basketball players wishes, that Reggie Evans starting and Amir Johnson coming off the bench is a good formula, as it allows both players to make their marks on the game when and where the Raptors would presumably need them the most.
There are going to be more and more fans calling for DeMar DeRozan to be sent to the bench until he is more consistent, but he needs to be developed, and there is no better place for that than in the starting lineup in a season in which we will not be serious contenders.
Jay Triano had a nice tight rotation tonight but will have to incorporate three new bodies in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see who gets minutes in favor of who; another deal may be on the horizon.
Amir Johnson should see his role on offense slowly expand, but with that said, he has to continue to play within himself as he has been doing thus far.
