Well, a win is a win. The Toronto Raptors were able to come up big in the fourth quarter to beat the Charlotte Bobcats, 92-78 Friday night. Coming off a terrible, terrible loss against the Boston Celtics, you would think the Raptors should come out with the win tonight, as they did, but it didn’t necessarily come at the ease or comfort you would hope. Great efforts tonight by Rudy Gay and Amir Johnson to lead the team to victory.
Offense: B+
Toronto was HOT in the 1st quarter, as they were able to shoot near 53% from the field! From than on, the Raps didn’t exactly cool off, as they were able to finish the game at near 49% shooting. Tonight, the Raptors were lead offensively by Rudy Gay, who was able to play and perform in his most efficient night since arriving to T.Dot. The bench also came up big, as they were able to outscore Charlotte’s bench 26, to 18 (10 from Ben Gordon, 8 from Jeff Taylor). Toronto was finally able to exploit the Bobcats on the offensive end, putting Gay in the low post leading to a comfortable margin in the end. Turnovers were a huge problem tonight though, with 20 in the game, that held them back from an A.
Defense: B+
Nice job overall by the team defensively. Holding the Bobcats to near 33% shooting from the field and 78 points overall is no easy feat. Regardless of how bad, or poor their overall talent is, their roster can put up the points, and Toronto down the stretch of the game was able to clamp down, and lock em’ up. Toronto also had a big margin in the blocks department, going 8-3 on the night. Another reason why they didn’t get an A grade, was because Demar Derozan struggled to ‘guard his yard’, and even though the defensive end is a team thing, he couldn’t keep himself in front of Gerald Henderson. Yes, Gerald Henderson. He’s the two guard now, and possibly for the future, and if he shows up every night as a one-dimensional player (his one dimension was poor tonight too), this team will be hurt by his effort.
Rebounding: B
The team did a nice job in the rebounding department, earning a 10 rebound deficit in the game, 46-36. Problem was, Toronto lost the offensive rebounding battle 15-10, and this is going to be an issue that needs to be addressed. Can’t be closing out shots, and giving them opportunities, it’s a wasted effort. Big thumbs up for Amir Johnson, who recorded a career-high 21 rebounds, who was the first player to do so since Joey Dorsey was a Raptor!
Game-Ball: Rudy Gay
Terrific job tonight, had some great moves to the basket, did well on the low block, efficient – his most efficient night as a Raptor – and really helped lead the team to victory. Lead the game in scoring with 28 points, adding along 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Gay was fun to watch tonight, and if he continues to attack the rim, and take good shots, this could be a showing of good things to come.
Honourable Mention: Amir Johnson
This man, goes ALL OUT, every, single night. 21 rebounds, was HUGE for the Raptors tonight. His defense was impressive, adding 3 blocks under his name. Like I wrote in a previous piece, Amir rarely gets the recognition he deserves, but he always goes out, and leaves it on the floor. I salute you Amir, Raptor fans salute you Amir, we ALL salute you.
Photo credit to USA TODAY Sports – John E. Sokolowski
Another solid grade for them.
