Toronto Raptors: Canada's Team (NBA 2k9)

[SHaynes23]

Game: NBA 2k9 (XBox360)
Quarter Length: 8 Minutes
Difficulty: All-Star
Roster Set: Opening Day
Team: Toronto Raptors

Raptors Starting Five





Toronto Raptors Roster

Point Guard

Jose Calderon - 87 Overall Rating
Roko Ukic - 74 Overall Rating
Willie Solomon - 74 Overall Rating

Shooting Guard

Anthony Parker - 78 Overall Rating
Hassan Adams - 70 Overall Rating

Small Forward

Jason Kapono - 76 Overall Rating
Jamario Moon - 72 Overall Rating
Joey Graham - 72 Overall Rating

Power Forward

Chris Bosh - 90 Overall Rating
Andrea Bargnani - 74 Overall Rating
Kris Humphries - 72 Overall Rating

Center

Jermaine O'Neal - 84 Overall Rating


Up Next....Raptors Pre-Season Outlook

[SHaynes23]

The Toronto Raptors are coming off a season in which they made the playoffs for the second straight year, and are just a season removed from their only division championship in franchise history. They have been building year after year, and many feel that this season is the season that the Raptors take the next step in bringing a title to Canada.

The 2008-09 version of the Raptors are lead by all-star power forward Chris Bosh. Bosh nearly averaged a double-double last season as he averaged 22.3 points per game while grabbing 8.7 boards per contest. Bosh can mix it up very physically underneath, but he becomes dangerous when his excellent mid range game is on. When he is dropping buckets from beyond fifteen feet he is capable of putting up big numbers. If the Raptors are going to build on their 41-41 record of a season ago, they need Chris Bosh to stay healthy all year and lead the way.

Chris Bosh drives last season against the Sixers

The Raptors offense is ran by the speedy point guard from Spain, Jose Calderon. Calderon is known for his unselfish play, always looking to create shots for his teammates before he looks for buckets of his own. This was shown last season as he averaged 8.3 assists per game to 11.2 points per outing. He is also known for his defensive skills, where he averages over a steal a game.

The big acquisition of the off season saw the Raptors deal TJ Ford and others to the Indiana Pacers for all-star forward Jermaine O’Neal. He may have seen better days in terms of statistics, but the Raptors have him transferring to the center position for this season, and he will receive many good looks as teams focus on Chris Bosh and his amazing scoring ability. This could be a season where O’Neal returns to his former all-star form and he could play a huge role in leading the Raptors to the promised land.

The starting lineup is finished out by high flying former Harlem Globetrotter Jamario Moon, and sharp shooting Anthony Parker. They will play big roles in taking the Raptors as far as they possibly can. The sixth man figures to be the first overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, Andrea Bargnani. He will give the Raptors a big man off the bench who has a very versatile game. The Raptors also have one of the best three point shooters in the league coming off the bench, Jason Kapono. He could see plenty of minutes at small forward and put up big numbers, maybe even getting a start here or there.

If the Raptors are going to grab their second division title they are going to have to go through the defending NBA Champions, as they share a division with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics don’t look like they are going anywhere as the big three is returning, and Rajon Rondo is said to be much improved over the summer.

It figures to be if nothing else, a very exciting season for the Raptors this year. Chris Bosh could make a run at his first MVP trophy if he steps up and brings the Raptors to new heights. They may not be able to overtake the Celtics, but they still believe that they can gain a playoff spot for the third straight season, and will try to make some noise in April, May and hopefully June.

[SHaynes23]

RAPTORS TAKE OPENER OVER SIXERS

The Toronto Raptors started the 2008-09 season off strong by going into hostile territory in the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and beating the always tough 76ers 97-86.

The Raptors played with a shorter than usual bench due to instant foul trouble from Jason Kapono, who committed three fouls in the first half in only one minute of play. This lead to Chris Bosh being on the floor even more, allowing him to do even more damage. Bosh lead the Raptors in a strong 4th quarter as well, leading them to an eleven point win and showing the Eastern Conference that they mean business this season.

The Sixers were lead by point guard Andre Miller, who put up 19 points while dealing out 8 assists. Miller couldn't do it all himself though. Elton Brand pitched in by scoring 15 points in his Sixers debut. The downfall for Philly was the terrible performance by their star player, Andre Iguodala. The usually deadly Iguodala shot just 3-11 from the field and scored just 13 points.

Player of the Game



Chris Bosh
25 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Steals

[OliDegu2008]

Keep this up. I am liking this

[SHaynes23]

RAPTORS TAKE HOME OPENER OVER WARRIORS

The Toronto Raptors began their home schedule off with a bang on Halloween night, defeating the highly entertaining Golden State Warriors 100-84.

Many people questioned the defense of the Raptors coming into the season, but their questioned were answered on this night as they stopped one of the most explosive offensives the Western Conference has to offer. Chris Bosh played like a true MVP candidate as he stormed out of the gates with 14 first quarter points, and he would finish with 32 points, earning his second straight player of the game honors.

Jermaine O'Neal also stepped up big for the Raptors as he put up 21 points against a weak Warriors interior, and he grabbed 9 rebounds to boot. Jamario Moon continued to show improved scoring ability as he backed his 15 point performance with a 14 pointer. Andrea Bargnani continued to excel off the bench scoring 13 in just 15 minutes. Jose Calderon continued his great guard play as his just missed out on his first double-double, scoring 10 and dishing out 9 dimes.

The Warriors were led by the explosive Monta Ellis, who put up 23 points on an efficient 8-14 from the field. He was getting to the line early and often, and kept the game close for the majority of the time. Stephen Jackson was anything but efficient, as he hoisted up 24 shots, and only 9 of them fell. He attempted an amazing 16 three point shots, and was able to basket 6 of them. But the Raptors were too much for the young Warriors, as they fell for the first time on the young season.

The Raptors leave Toronto right after the game to head to Milwaukee, where they will play the Bucks Saturday. They are favored to take that game as well, but fatigue could play a factor as they have to go back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Player of the Game



Chris Bosh
32 Points, 8 Rebounds, 4 Assists

[SHaynes23]

RAPTORS DEFENSE PREVAILS OVER BUCKS

On Saturday night the Toronto Raptors defense stepped up to rescue the struggling offense in an 85-78 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors offense is usually what carries them to victories, but after a terrible first quarter offensively, the defense had to step up big to make sure they didn't suffer an embarrassing loss to a team they were expected to beat. Chris Bosh started off the game 0-5 from the field, but he didn't let it effect his defense as he got block after block. He eventually turned his offense up to near its usual level as he was able to rack up 19 points, most of it in the fourth quarter to lock up the win.

Jermaine O'Neal got the first double-double of the season for the Raptors as he got 16 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. Jamario Moon kept up his great play as he collected 17 points, including a half court shot to end the first half. Jason Kapono also came off the bench with his biggest game of the season so far, putting the offense on his back and scoring 16 points in just 11 minutes.

The Bucks usually above average backcourt struggled as they combined for only 23 points. Michael Redd had a good shooting night, but he didn't get up enough shots to really turn the tide of the game. Andrew Bogut showed that he deserves to be mentioned in the list of great bigmen in the league as he dominated the Raptors interior on his way to a 24 point night to go along with 12 rebounds.

The Raptors get a much needed three days of rest before they face off with one of the favorites to unseat the Celtics as Eastern Conference champions, the Detroit Pistons. This will be the first real test of the year for the Raptors to see how far they have come in the off season.

Player of the Game



Chris Bosh
19 Points, 7 Rebounds, 4 Blocks

[SHaynes23]

End of Week Update
Week of October 26, 2008

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Celtics: 3-0, 0 GB
RAPTORS: 3-0, 0 GB
Nets: 2-0, 0.5 GB
76ers: 1-2, 2 GB
Knicks: 0-2, 2.5 GB

PLAYOFF PICTURE

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1 - Boston Celtics (3-0)
2 - Miami Heat (3-0)
3 - TORONTO RAPTORS (3-0)
4 - New Jersey Nets (2-0)
5 - Atlanta Hawks (1-1)
6 - Detroit Pistons (1-1)
7 - Charlotte Bobcats (1-1)
8 - Washington Wizards (1-1)
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9 - Orlando Magic (1-2)
10 - Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1 - Los Angeles Clippers (3-0)
2 - Dallas Mavericks (2-0)
3 - Los Angeles Lakers (2-1)
4 - Houston Rockets (2-1)
5 - Utah Jazz (1-1)
6 - San Antonio Spurs (1-1)
7 - Oklahoma City Thunder (1-1)
8 - Minnesota T'Wolves (1-1)
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9 - Portland Trail Blazers (1-2)
10 - Sacramento Kings (1-2)


STATISTICAL LEADERS

POINTS PER GAME



1 - Kevin Durant (OKC) 32.5
2 - LeBron James (CLE) 27.3
3 - Vince Carter (NJN) 26.5
4 - Gilbert Arenas (WAS) 26.5
5 - Peja Stojakovic (NOH) 25.7

REBOUNDS PER GAME



1 - Dwight Howard (ORL) 12.3
2 - Marcus Camby (LAC) 10.0
3 - Erick Dampier (DAL) 10.0
4 - Andrew Bogut (MIL) 9.7
5 - Emeka Okafor (CHA) 9.5

ASSISTS PER GAME



1 - Steve Nash (PHX) 10.7
2 - Deron Williams (UTA) 10.0
3 - Devin Harris (NJN) 10.0
4 - Raymond Felton (CHA) 9.5
5 - Dwayne Wade (MIA) 9.3

TORONTO RAPTORS PLAYER STATS

Jose Calderon
7.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 8.0 APG

Anthony Parker
8.0 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 3.7 APG

Jamario Moon
15.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.0 APG

Chris Bosh
25.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG

Jermaine O'Neal
17.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.3 APG

Andrea Bargnani
10.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.0 APG

Jason Kapono
8.3 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 1.7 APG

[SHaynes23]

BREAKING NBA NEWS

A very big trade has occurred in the NBA that could shape the Eastern Conference playoff picture for the rest of the season.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have already not liked the point guard play of new acquisition Mo Williams have traded center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and their 2nd round pick for next season to the Philadelphia 76ers for point guard Andre Miller.

Miller is considered one of the best ball handlers and passers in the NBA, and should create more opportunities for LeBron James to score than Mo Williams, who will now likely either be used as a starting shooting guard or the third guard in the Cavs rotation.

Illgauskas will give the Sixers a third big man to go along with Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert. Losing Andre Miller will hurt for them, but it allows them to get more playing time for Thaddeus Young, a developing star for the team.

In another trade that happened today, the Detroit Pistons dealt Jason Maxiell to the Milwaukee Bucks for point guard Ramon Sessions and center Francisco Elson.

TRADE #1

76ers Get: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, 2009 2nd Round Pick



Cavaliers Get: Andre Miller



TRADE #2

Pistons Get: Ramon Sessions, Francisco Elson



Bucks Get: Jason Maxiell