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Recap: Toronto Raptors defeat Chicago Bulls 97-88 (4/12/13)

Brian Boake — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 02:29:36 +0000

The Toronto Raptors, who hadn’t played since Tuesday, came out flat against the Chicago Bulls. Early on it was the visitors who had the jump, despite having played an OT game the night before. The Raps were missing Jonas Valanciunas, not dressed because of a neck injury, and the lack of offense from the centre position was glaring. However, the evergreen Amir Johnson was able to provide some points inside, and when Quincy Acy took Aaron Gray’s spot, the Raps began to cook.

Apr 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center-forward Amir Johnson (15) defends against Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (9) during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Chicago 97-88. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Boozer, who has owned the Raps forever, dominated the first quarter with 13 points, but began to find himself in foul difficulty. The Raps down by 11 at one point, got some buckets from DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay, and the deficit was 2 beginning Q2. This one was back and forth, but the Raps ended the half on a 7-0 run, to pull ahead by 4.

They never trailed again, and even pulled into a seemingly comfortable 15-point lead on Rudy’s jumper mid-way through the third. The Bulls didn’t quit, despite increasing signs of fatigue. A team that hits 3-balls is never out of a game, and Chicago hit 9 on the game, to the Raps’ meagre 2. The Bulls roared back, shrugging off the ejection of Richard Hamilton. The veteran small forward was tossed for using his elbow to attempt tooth extraction from the unwilling mouth of DeRozan. The Raps closed the quarter with an 8-point cushion.

The final 12 minutes had its share of worrisome moments, as the exhausted Bulls found new life. Marco Bellinelli, his career revived since his Raps’ days, nailed a 3-ball, but then the night’s most hilarious moment occurred. Amir grabbed a pass from Alan Anderson, set his feet, and nailed a 3-ball of his own. A few moments later, Rudy drained another one, Boozer fouled out, and the victory was safe.

Quincy played a career-high 35+ minutes, and was a huge contributor, as his game-high plus21 makes abundantly clear. He blocked 3 shots, no trivial feat for an undersized power forward, scored 9 points and grabbed 10 boards. Amir was a rock the entire game, and led all scorers with 24. His 3-ball was not his only made outside shot, and he rolled down the key for some easy baskets. Kyle Lowry is silencing his critics, which happens when you dish 11 assists against 1 turnover. We can hope he rediscovers his 3-point stroke in short order; the Raps need those baskets.

Apr 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (9) goes to make a basket as Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (3) defends during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

I look forward to the return of Jonas and Terrence Ross (ankle sprain) when Toronto hosts the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon.

Brian Boake is an editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

Preview: Chicago Bulls (42-35) vs Toronto Raptors (30-48) – 3 keys to victory

Brian Boake — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:33:15 +0000

The rubber match of the season series between the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors tips off tonight at the Air Canada Centre. Each team has won in the other’s building, and both games have been close. Chicago is highly motivated to win this game, as they are in a neck-and-neck struggle with Atlanta for the 5th playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Both teams would much rather face the vulnerable Brooklyn Nets than the formidable Indiana Pacers, who appear to be locked into the third slot. The Raps, long since eliminated from playoff consideration, have little team motivation. Our guys are playing for pride and next season’s jobs.

Apr 11, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler (21) dunks during the second half against the New York Knicks at the United Center. Chicago won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulls are banged up, and are playing their second game in less than 24 hours after defeating New York in OT. The Raps can defeat this team if they:

Control Jimmy Butler. Another entry in the words-I-never-dreamed-I’d-be-writing sweepstakes, Jimmy is shooting over 50% from beyond the arc in his last 12 games. He grabbed 14 boards against the Knicks.
Run – then run some more. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau seems to have discarded the concept of rotation while he waits for stars like Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose to return from injury. Three players clocked over 46(!) minutes in last night’s game. If Carlos Boozer, Kirk Hinrich and Butler aren’t bagged, they must be cyborgs. Jonas Valanciunas is listed as day to day following his neck injury in Chicago. His presence will be needed to keep the Bulls off the boards, and to start the fast-break offense.
Play cautiously in the half-court. By that I mean: don’t look for steals on defense, and make sound passes when we’ve got the ball. The Bulls don’t turn over the ball, so taking chances is likely to backfire. They anticipate well on D, so risky passes are not wise, and may well be intercepted. If no fast break is available, the Raps will succeed if they move the ball (Rudy Gay – I’m looking at you), and take good shots at the end of the clock.

Giving credit where credit is due; Nate Robinson is taking full advantage of his opportunity to play in Rose’s absence, averaging 25 points in his last 3 games. Kyle Lowry will need to get over the shock of not being the smallest man on the court, and pay attention to Nate.

Apr 11, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) shoots over New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

A completely healthy Bulls squad is significantly better than the Raps likewise. But the Bulls aren’t, and should be vulnerable because of a short bench and fatigue. The Raps use a fourth quarter rally to win a close one 98-96.