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**speedythief** · 04-08-2007, 06:35 PM

Game #78, 9 April 2007
Toronto Raptors [44-33] @ Minnesota Timberwolves [32-44]
8:00 PM EST, Raptors NBATV, Fan590.com
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

Now isn't the time for the Raptors to sit back and appreciate what they've done
this season. With a major victory over the Chicago Bulls behind them the Raptors
are in Minneapolis for a late-season match with the Timberwolves, who are looking
to play spoiler after missing out on the playoffs this year. Minnesota are 4-6 in
their last ten and have a mediocre 20-17 home record. They are a full 16 games
behind the Northwest Division leading Utah Jazz who have been on cruise control
for weeks. The T-Wolves are 2-2 in April, knocking off the Knicks and Magic but
suffering loses to the Cavs and Hornets. Team captain Kevin Garnett has double-
doubles in every April game and is averaging an impressive 12.9 rebounds on the
season. The reliable forward has been vocally frustrated with his situation all
season but refuses to cast blame on teammates; instead, the management team
is facing his wrath, and rightfully so. Kevin McHale wasn't surprised to hear the
Big Ticket thank God for his contract opt-out mid-season, as he has helped steer
the team from a 58-win season in 2004 to three straight playoff absences. Another
losing season next year and there is little doubt that KG will abandon his only
NBA team for greener pastures elsewhere--that is, if McHale isn't fired and new
management can't convince him to stay. Across the border General Manager of the
Year candidate Bryan Colangelo was able to sign franchise player and one-time
Kevin Garnett wannabe Chris Bosh to a contract that will keep him in Raptors red
for at least three more seasons. The Raps are on the upswing, Atlantic Division
champions and possible first-round home court advantage winners. With five games
left in the season they can potentially set a new franchise record for wins in a
season with 48. A win in Minneapolis will get them one step closer to that goal.
The ballgame tips-off at 8:00 PM EST only on Raptors NBATV and the Fan590.com.

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**shookem** · 04-08-2007, 07:08 PM

The second night of a back to back and on the road always sounds bad but this team really looks like they're on a mission. The fun part is wondering who will step up? Will it be TJ or Jose? Joey or Hump? AP or Dixon? Bosh or Rasho? It's gotta suck traveling to another city so quickly but someone should have their legs under them.

TJ Ford · 04-08-2007, 08:09 PM

I don't know what Mike James has done for T-wolves this year...

I think we can win this back to back, if we can keep up the intensity.

**ballocks** · 04-08-2007, 08:45 PM

i've said the same thing about lebron and the cavs that i've long said about kg and the wolves: these players are not as stranded as they seem (imo). in minnesota, you could easily make an argument against the collection of talent they've put together, but to say that they've taken a step backward in terms of sheer talent is off the mark (imo). there are still useful bodies at every position but for some reason, they tend to (all) underachieve. i love garnett but i just wonder if any team could thrive around him- there may be intangible factors (like structure or mentality or approach or confidence or distraction or or or...) preventing the team from achieving success; it may not be the players themselves.

i would say that that theory has gained some weight this year, what with minny's acquisition of toronto fave mike james. i mean, have y'all seen mike play this year? it... can't be explained. and i know someone'll suggest that his struggles are because his "style doesn't work in minnesota"- but that's not the issue for me. his style seems different altogether. it seems he's playing like another man, or another man is in his body, like he's awfully uncomfortable, and if true, i wonder why he is. the fact that he's underachieving in minnesota of all places cannot simply be a coincidence.

anyway, that's all probably for a thread on the minnesota board. the old raptors (i.e. the raptors of march and earlier) would've (imo) overlooked this game and put a real stinker on the table. i hope that doesn't happen. i hope the team is changed.

peace

junkyarddawgg · 04-08-2007, 08:48 PM

Not much :P 10 ppg, 3.7 apg... not so great

**speedythief** · 04-08-2007, 08:49 PM

If Bosh and Jaric mated they'd have a kid with normally spaced eyes.

ChristopherJ · 04-08-2007, 09:36 PM

Pretty much a must win if the Raps want that 3rd seed. It's going to be tough being a road game off a back-to-back, but I think the Raps can do it.

anniebananerz · 04-08-2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedythief

If Bosh and Jaric mated they'd have a kid with normally spaced eyes.

Thanks a lot Speedy. I'm going to have some bad nightmares tonight. :S

**speedythief** · 04-08-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anniebananerz

Thanks a lot Speedy. I'm going to have some bad nightmares tonight. :S

Through the magic of Photoshop, both Jaric and Bosh have had their eye sockets normalized.

Jaric's surgery was a huge success. Honestly, the guy is looking pretty dapper. For Bosh... not so much.

Before (top), after (bottom). Two to four pixel shift max.

**madman** · 04-09-2007, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedythief

Through the magic of Photoshop, both Jaric and Bosh have had their eye sockets normalized.

Jaric's surgery was a huge success. Honestly, the guy is looking pretty dapper. For Bosh... not so much.

Before (top), after (bottom). Two to four pixel shift max.

shudder

big game we can let down after a huge win

firstrounder · 04-09-2007, 07:30 AM

HAHAHAHA thats hilarious Speedy!

RC06 · 04-09-2007, 07:37 AM

If the Raps come out with the same intensity as last night, this should be an easy win. I'll be flipping back and forth between the Jays/Raps games, hopefully both Toronto teams will come through tonight with a win.

Let's Go Raptors!

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedythief

If Bosh and Jaric mated they'd have a kid with normally spaced eyes.

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