Jonas Valanciunas. Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

In a game in which neither team seemed to want the victory, the Raps prevailed by 7. While dismissing this lackluster affair as the epitome of pre-season hoops is understandable, there were some positive nuggets for Raps fans.

Our first string centre played like one. Jonas Valanciunas had 11 points & 8 boards, & moved extremely well. It’s easy to forget what a huge man he is when you watch him run with speed & efficiency. He scored a bucket with a skyhook, a shot we don’t see often enough today. If he wants to channel his inner Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, that works for me.

Here’s a reach, but I’ll throw it out there anyway: our scoring was nicely balanced again. Sure, 82 points won’t win you many games when it counts, but it’s positive to get 14 from DeMar, a dozen from Ed Davis (yay!), & 9 from Anderson & Lucas (who dished out some lovely assists). Terrence Ross went 1/7, which is certainly unpleasant, but his defence was solid,& he was +13.

Jose Calderon was scoreless, & then was shut down with some sort of hamstring problem. We’ll monitor that situation, & pass along news as we get it. Bargnani sat down after 24 minutes & 7 points. Landry Fields still hasn’t found his stroke from distance (0/3), & I’m getting a bit tired of hearing him described as Shane Battier Lite. He hasn’t shown much so far – is it too early to be concerned?

Some observations on the Pistons: I like a few of their new faces, like Kravtsov & Singler, & Williams made Ross’s night miserable by blocking 3 outside jumpers. Their mobile big man Munroe is a potential All-Star.   But Austin Daye had any number of open looks and couldn’t hit (2/11 includes 0/3 from distance), Andre Drummond was a non-factor (2 points) & Johnny Flynn demonstrated once again why he can’t stick in the NBA. Flynn is quick enough, but makes bad turnovers & still can’t shoot from outside. Charlie V didn’t see the floor – do they think he’s done? If so, will they buy him out?

Final thought on the Raptors – I’m liking what I’m seeing.  The kids are alright.

Brian Boake is a staff writer 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.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are part of a dying breed in the NBA. A team made out of patience and not a short term superstar alliance, the Thunder have been built by savy trades, great draft picks and good old fashioned patience. “The Zombie Sonics” no more, Oklahoma has one of the loudest and most passionate fanbases in the league and might just be able to earn their first ever NBA Finals berth this season. Here is the Thunder preview.

Key Player:  Russell Westbrook. If Westbrook has improved his shooting/shot selection the Thunder are going to be a serious threat in the West. If Westbrook wants to be the star of this team there might be a Kobe/Shaq like problem in OKC.

Why The Thunder Will Win The Title:  The Thunder have the perfect combination of dynamic guards, a superstar scorer at swingman and hard playing, defensively sound post players in Nick Collison, Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka. Combine that with a loud building at home and an extra year of experience and the Thunder have a serious arguement for being a favorite in the West.

MVP:  Kevin Durant. Might actually be the NBA MVP this season if the Thunder have a solid regular season.

Why You Should Watch the Thunder:  If you love good basketball, athletic play and seeing one of the game’s best scorers, you should probably watch the Thunder.

Key Additions:  None

Key Departures:  None. Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins, and Thabo Sefolosha remain unsigned.

Role Player Love:  Byron Mullens deserves a shout out for playing prison ball during the off-season.

Sixth Man of the Year:  Nick Collision and his hard fouls and rebounding.

Questionable Salary:  Nate Robinson still has the 4th highest salary on a team that is going to win a division and had multiple DNP-CD’s in the playoffs. Gotta love the NBA.

Prediction:  Northwest Division Title.