Raptors Rolling

The Toronto Raptors had won 2 games in a row and 4 of 5 before running into the hole left by Jose Calderon and Jermaine O'Neal. They then lost 7 straight before recovering to win the last 3 including tonight's win in New Jersey against the Nets.

It was a close and hardgaught game, as you can see. Toronto was down 27-21 after 1 quarter, but then outscored the Nets 29-27 in the 2nd and 34-23 in the 3rd before hanging on to win 107-106!

Jose has made 83 consecutive free throws, 2nd most all time. He had 17 points and 11 assists tonight while going 3 of 5 from 3 point range.

Despite the win, Toronto still sits 2 games out of the final play-off spot with 35 games to go. I hope they can climb at least as high as the #7 seed, the last 2 years they have qualified for the play-offs as the #3 and #6 seed.

Jose said he would trade in his free throw mark for the play-offs.

Bargnani and Bosh have been key in the success of the Raptors, but Jose Calderon, their Spanish point guard, is their leader and team MVP. He leads the NBA in Assist to Turnover Ration at 4.26.

And of course, I've bee watching the Australian Open tonight a little bit too, as Dementieva lost the 1st set to Serena W. 6-3 and is now up 1-0 on Serena in the 2nd set after holding serve after 5 deuces. I'll finally be back to teaching tomorrow thankfully!! Toronto hosts the Milwaukee Bucks Friday in Ontario before hosting Orlando on Sunday, traveling to Cleveland Tuesday, hosting the Lakers on Wednesday and then heading to New Orleans to play the Hornets Friday... that is 4 of the best teams in the NBA. On Saturday night, February 7, they will be in Memphis playing the Grizzlies and I may be going with Jay H. Good times, for $5 a seat, it might be worth the 4+ hour drive.