- Tom Szczerbowski – USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Raptors blow yet another lead to the Detroit Pistons, as the lose by 10, 108-98 Monday evening. With this loss, the Toronto Raptors have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, which quite frankly isn’t a surprise. Jose Calderon‘s return to the ACC was a successful one for him, with many of the events surrounding him.
Offense: B+
This game went back and forth early. The Toronto Raptors were able to finish off the first quarter, shooting 61% from the field. Half-time came by, and they were able to finish the 1st half up one, with solid contributions from their bench, having guys like Alan Anderson and Sebastian Telfair step up and hit shots. Jonas Valanciunas was looking really polished on the inside tonight, and Rudy Gay was quite the force throughout the game. Down the stretch of the game though, Toronto started to stay away from working the ball inside, which lead to Demar Derozan and Rudy taking contested jumpers. Toronto was successful early in the game because the shot selection was good, and they were mixing it up. Unfortunately, as much as they “lived by the jumper”, they “died by the jumper”. Not to mention the fact Toronto
Defense: C
The defense all night was mediocre. Toronto settled in a fast paced game, but one where they would trade baskets, and not look back. The 3rd quarter was especially good defensively, where they were able to at one point in the game, gain a 10 point advantage. Otherwise, the team was not playing the way Coach Dwane Casey had been preaching all season, which has now become an every game occurrence. The Pistons finished the game off with a 15-4 run, let the Pistons score 33 points in the 4th quarter, and grab 50 points in the paint.
Rebounding: C
Toronto matched the Pistons in terms of the rebounding. No advantage either way, but one rebound given up in the game, was when Jonas Jerebko ran in for an offensive rebound, with no Raptor NEAR him, leading to arguably the dagger of the game.
Game Ball: Jose Calderon
Toronto loves this man. He was terrific, and really controlled the game. A typical Jose stat-line of nine assists, and one turnover. He also added 19 points on an efficient eight of twelve shooting (66%) from the field. The real highlight of the night, was him walking on the wrong side of the entrance way to the court from the locker room, still thinking he was a Raptor. Force of habit people.
Honourable Mention: Rudy Gay
Rudy had a terrific stat-line, and was able to carry the game throughout the game. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get much consistent help from any other player, but he clearly was feeling the stroke tonight. The big positive to take away from tonight, was the 4-4 shooting from outside (100%). 34 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal.
Check out these links of some of the Jose Calderon moments in tonight’s game, as he returns to the ACC for the very first time as an away player.
Jose walking with the wrong team.
The ACC gives Jose Calderon a wonderful standing ovation.
Morse of Monday night’s game, Jose Calderon’s return to the ACC.
