That was some ride. And it's only game 1, round 1.
Hands up who was surprised with the outcome, or even the manner of the defeat? The young and admittedly inexperienced Raptors didn't exactly get caught in the headlights but they did get caught out in executing their usual game. We didn't get enough Demar "it's-not-rocket-science" DeRozan involved and the starters went long periods without scoring. It's not enough to dwell on but how the team now adjusts and reacts will sway whether we're looking at a 4-0 sweep or an actual fight in this series.
The smack was laid down very early from an unlikely source. GM Masai Ujuri lit the touch paper with his "fuck Brooklyn" speech, and all chances of a middle of the road series went out of the window. Why Ujuri did it will be debated much more than DeMar's no-show - and maybe that's the point. He said last week that people will watch Toronto. Chances are there are more people than ever paying attention now.
The Nets' reactions were predictable. Pierce referring directly to the Sun cover and Kidd faking his Ujuri knowledge. This ones going to run and run and if the Raptors go down in 4 or 5 games it's all going to sound like hollow brinkmanship.
Even better? The crowd? That looked incredible. Inside was noisy as hell and outside looked like some party. The build up just on Twitter gave me goose bumps. Very cool to see.
Positives from the game? JV monstered it. He played very hard and aggressive on the boards and scored some crucial tap ins. Kyle Lowry imposed himself and got good support from Greivis Vasquez. The building blocks are there.
Terrance Ross got caught in foul trouble and I suspect if he can compose himself on Tuesday and spread the floor with his 3-point threat it will be a big help. Amir might not be a worry either if the more agile Patterson gets put on Paul Pierce.
No comments:
Post a Comment