Final Raptor's Watch: Setting It Up for Next Year
Sunday was tough. It almost seemed scripted in a way. In a magical season where nothing but rock bottom was expected, the Dinos found themselves in a close game against a team many had picked as a possible title darkhorse. The Nets have three Hall of Famers (Coach Kidd, Pierce, and Garnett) and two All-stars (DWill and Johnson). They have beaten Miami all four times this season and have the pedigree of a champion. Yet, with the entire GTA pleading for last second heroics, the Raptors found themselves a bucket away from advancing.
I was not at my normal post. I watched most of the games in my London apartment yelling at an earless television over calls I had no control over. Many times I was happy to be alone because I did not wish to have my sanity questioned. However I am sure the downstairs neighbor was tempted to call 9-1-1 a few times because of my violent yells.
Mr. Crewe we had a complaint...
Sorry officer, but fucking Crawford wouldn't know a foul if I hit him!
Pardon?
I'm watching the Raptor's game.
Oh... I could recommend someone to talk to if you feel you need help.
Do you have Stephen A. Smith's number?
I've got to go. Be safe Mr. Crewe.
The first half was viewed at Timber Ridge golf course in Brighton. Luckily, the jackass who wanted to watch golf instead of game seven realized he was not going to change the channel. The second half was listen to on TSN 1050 on our way back into Toronto. I promised my uncle Frank I would hold my hands together as to not flail them about if good or bad things happened. I am really in my 40's you know. We bantered back and forth as Paul Jones called a great game. Our favorite line was after a shooting foul, "The bucket is good and he has a coupon for one more!``
The tip and off Pierce by Ross with less than 8 seconds left had us beside ourselves. Then Lowry got the ball.... It was a typical play, he crashed his way to the basket and everyone collapsed on him. He still managed to gain control of the ball after KG poked it away but then the Truth blocked him. We can whine all we want about that final shot but no ref in his right mind is calling a foul on that play and everyone knew it. He was bumped but basketball is a contact sport. (Not a collision sport but a contact sport.)
Silence was next but not for long. Maybe that`s when the real magic started. As Derozan stood over Lowry, I loved that he shouted in the Bulldog of Bay Street`s ear, 'If anybody is taking that shot, I'm living and dying with you taking that shot, or trying to attempt to get that shot off.' It was hard not to shed a tear or two as the fans cheered the boys one last time.
KG and Pierce spent the post game raving about Toronto and it`s fans. The Brooklyn Net`s twitter account told their fans to follow the Toronto lead. ESPN guys talked about the great playoff atmosphere and their love of Jurassic Park. We opened some eyes and we opened them wide.
So now we look to next year; it is less than six months away. MLSE took no time signing Casey to a three year extension. How could you not after the job he did, or the fact that he had to ride to game seven on the subway.
Now there are reports surfacing that MLSE wants everyone back and then maybe see if we could add a player or two. I don`t know what we need besides a little experience. Lowry loves the city and I feel good about the chances of him returning. Hopefully Vasquez will want to continue his role as the best backup point guard in the league and Patterson will want to continue his growth off the bench as well. Maybe there is some tinkering to be done. Hansbrough, for all his hustle, is expendable; as is Salmons. This team really does not need a whole lot and I would love to see them take another shot. Maybe I am just dreaming in the afterglow of a fantastic season but I know these guys can compete with anyone! I just have to wait til next year to see them prove it. I love this team!
