Toronto: the little train that could (or not?)

After losing two nights ago to an outhustling team, the Magic entered pregame court with what could only be described as an attitude. Will the Magic find their own silver streak (two losses) or will a visiting rail-rider get their second win of the season. Needless to say, there should be plenty of highlights on ESPN tonight.

With a sparse crowd in attendance, the Raptors began by trotting to a warm-up beat and a heckle or two (not much more than that from a munching crowd). The Magic were greeted to a vocal hum, not bad considering the limited number of cheerers and the amount of mustard on the chin.

Excellent beginning: The Canadian National anthem was sung beautifully…yes, we had an Anthem sing-off! Maybe these Raptors came to play and are really better than their less-than impressive season start.

Closer to the tip and I’m encouraged. After all, this could be a “little train that could” impersonation!

On a side note: I’ve found the Magic has difficulty matching up to teams possessing solid guard play. Fortunately for the Magic team this evening, Toronto’s guard should not cause trouble. Enough of the rambling and warm up, let’s get this steam engine started!

No surprises with the Magic’s starting lineup. Howard, Carter, Lewis, Richardson, and Nelson sported the scene first. Magic controlled the tip, no surprises there. Carter cruised to an uncontested right hand layup on the first possession. Toronto came back with an all-net three pointer. Lewis strolled in for a left handed layup. Toronto came back with a quick two points as Nelson swooshed a three-pointer only to return after a missed shot by the Raptors with a layup of his own. Thus far Howard had not touched the ball and at the 9:52 mark, the Magic pumped a 9 to 5 lead (shooting 100% from the field).

Back from a Raptor timeout, Toronto responded with a quick turnaround jumper from the top of the key. Magic finally missed a shot while Howard finally touched the ball, missing a ten foot jumper off the board. After two misses by Orlando and three hits from Toronto, the Magic fell behind 11 to 8.

The first quarter bounced back and forth with neither team taking control. Heck, maybe these Raptors are going to make it game; maybe I’ll win the lotto tomorrow, and maybe we’ll win the NBA championship? Heck, ONE out of three ain’t bad; or could I be wrong on my count?

End of the first found the Magic and the Raptors in check, with one point separating the two teams (31 to 30).

Twelve minute summary:

• Richardson played solid defense (something you won’t notice statistically but should be recognized though he did make a major mistake by fouling a Raptor during a three-point attempt)
• Toronto is a young team and plays like a young team, which is a good thing and not a good thing at the same time (explaining the high number of uncontested layups)
• Magic made two too many unforced turnovers
• Howard was not a factor defensively or offensively (missed both free throw attempts—surprised?)
• Would supply hard numbers but it appears the Magic are saving expenses by not sharing hard copies… gee, where did all the money go?

Second quarter found several of the Magic’s bench hitting the court. I’m guessing there will be a tad more defensive concentration or both teams will be passing the century mark with ease. Dwight hit the mark first with a left hand layup of his own and mirrored it on the next possession. Looks like his first quarter lull will be replaced with a second quarter maul.

Defense seems to have picked up a bit on both sides. After three full minutes of play, the Magic took a three point lead. Perhaps the little train that could is finding Howard’s second quarter uphill ride more difficult than his first quarter scenic tour? At the 7:51 point, Howard took a breather as Gortat slapped the tag. After several missed shots, a couple turnovers, and one air ball, the Raptors took a three point lead.

About the defensive intensity being intensified by both teams… I lied.

Last few minutes of the second quarter found the Raptors making young team mistakes, allowing the Magic team to stroll comfortably. Van Gundy did play all starters during second quarter’s conclusion. Howard took advantage of his advantage and ended the quarter with 15 points (hitting an impressive one out of four free throw attempts)

Twenty-four minute summary:

• Too many layups on both sides (this must be a no defense fly zone)
• Howard clocked his first block just as the first half concluded
• Bargnani led all in the scoring department with 21 points
• The little train that could, actually might.

Third quarter began identical to the first quarter—with a deadlock (59 points each). Raptors began the quarter unable to get a shot off. Howard returned favor with a turnover, leading up to a Raptor two point advantage. Carter came back for two of his own while Bargnani hit his first shot of the second half… this guy has a smooth release for a big man. Raptors take a two point lead after another turnover by the Magic. Perhaps someone needs to call Van Gundy and let him know what’s going on… the little train is building up speed!

Would like to give you the turnover count but either I am on the no-stat list or hardcopy cutbacks are for real.

Dwight picked up his first foul at the 7:58 mark. Very few fouls on either side, a tall-tell clue as to the intensity level. Dwight picked up his second foul at the 6:33 mark (plus a technical foul). Perhaps this will shake the webs off the tracks or cause the little train to pick up speed.

With four minutes left in the third, the Magic found themselves behind 75 to 74. At the 3:16 mark the Magic were still down by one but now a few chants from the crowd (encouraging defense—go figure) were heard. Guess the crowd just didn’t chant loud enough.

By the end of the third, Orlando must find a way to derail this little train that now believes it can as the Raptors lead 89 to 82.

Thirty-six minute summary:

• Magic appears as if they don’t want to lose but not playing like they want to win (know what I mean?)
• Lots of turnovers (did I already mention this)
• Visions of another fourth quarter meltdown are running though my head
• Howard and Nelson combine for half of Orlando’s score

It’s the beginning of the final quarter, and I’m wondering how many trees were saved by not handing out stat sheets. Actually this is a good thing as trees are a limited resource… kudos to the DeVos family for taking such an active green stand; if you happen to see any of the group, thank them for me.

Orlando brought the ball in first… Howard was fouled within seconds; missed his first free throw; missed his second free throw. Raptors respond with a clean three pointer, Magic down by ten (largest lead from either team). Lucky for the Magic Bergnani cooled off, scoring only two pints thus far in the second half and missing his first shot in the fourth.

Time out Magic with tem minutes to go and down 94 to 84. Carter entered as the game resumed, hitting a quick basket. A few mistakes by both teams later and, at the 7:30 mark the Magic trail by nine. The next 100 seconds found neither team resting at the station (does this even make any sense?). With just under six minutes, Orlando called time out trailing 98 to 91.

At 4:02 another time out. Magic 93. Toronto stuck at 98… looks like the little train is finding the last few miles taxing.

The Raptors reached the century mark by hitting two free throws with 3:53 to go in the game (seems like they were refueling for over ten minutes—being at 98 since 7:30 in the fourth). Down by seven, its Howard’s time to prove he has what it takes on the free throw line. He steps up, releases and clanks his first. Second release finds all net. Down by six, Toronto was unable to beat the clock (another turnover). Magic take advantage as Howard gets fouled… another missed free throw followed by a made one. Must admit, Dwight is consistent on the line.

Toronto misses, Pietrus responds with a three pointer on the side (giving him 18 points thus far from the field). Magic now down by two with two minutes to play. Back from a timeout, Toronto slams an easy one… up by four. Magic miss on their next attempt as the Raptors get a break with Howard getting called for a foul on the rebound. Another missed shot by Toronto find the Magic calling a quick timeout with 64 ticks left and down by four.

Returning to a vocal crowd (not a fan leaving early), Nelson sneaks in for an easy layup. Toronto, now up by two, find the free throw line not friendly, missing one out of two. Magic, down by three miss their first attempt, scramble for the rebound, and Pietrus smacks down an all-net three pointer.

With time sitting at 28.8 seconds, Toronto has the ball and a tied score at 103. Fortunately for the Magic, the Raptors have scored ONLY five points in the last seven minutes… so how can they still be in the game? Good question, wish I’d thought of it myself.

Toronto passed the ball into play, setting up for a three-point attempt after holding the ball for 20 seconds. It’s up. It’s all net. It’s now 106 to 103. It’s Orlando’s turn or they lose and the little train came to town to outpaced the big locomotive.

Magic try to bring the ball in with seven ticks. Unable to deliver, they call time out. Back with a new plan, this is the time for Van Gundy to earn his keep by calling the right play. Guess what happens next? You probably guessed it… an inbound turnover and quick foul by Nelson. Were you right?

Toronto on the line and now the seats are thinning quickly. Final score: Magic 106 to Toronto’s 110.

Toronto has a skilled team with plenty of solid players. What they lack is a threat. In other words, nice teams don’t win many games (unless they play the Magic who have the honor of being Toronto’s second victory). From my seat, Toronto will not win many games this season unless they get a Howard-like player of their own. Good news is Toronto should be in pretty good shape for the next draft.

On this note, I’m still waiting for a stat sheet, perhaps it was derailed by a little train who not only could, but did!

Looking for the numbers, I am tree-hugging with the boss,

dhuffman