Raptors fall in a heartbreaking loss to the Nuggets

This past Friday, one of my favorite games this season took place between the Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets at the Air Canada Centre. Not only because they're my favorite teams, but it was one of the most intense games I've seen in a while, especially in the fourth quarter. Coming into this game, both teams were struggling, which resulted them putting up a fight for a much-needed win. The Raptors are eighth in the Eastern Conference, a victory would've put them in a better situation to qualify for the Playoffs. Meanwhile, the Nuggets were tied with Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz for the second place in the Western Conference, and they couldn't afford losing another game on the road.

Denver won the first quarter, 26-19, however, the Raptors responded in the second and third quarters, leading 81-72 before the beginning of the fourth quarter. With seven minutes left until the end of the game, the Raptors led by 10 points, 88-78. Things weren't going well for the Nuggets, they couldn't make any shot, but the Raptors didn't take advantage of that and continued committing turnovers. Within 2 minutes, the lead was cut to five. Denver tied the game at 92 after Carmelo Anthony scored four points in a row with a minute left. Nuggets Point Guard, Chauncey Billups, took a tough contest 3 point shot, and missed. Raptors' Andrea Bargnani rebounded the ball, and had an And-1 play after making a layup. He made the free throw to put the Raptors up by 3 points with 40 seconds left. Carmelo Anthony was fouled and went to the Free throw line, but he missed both free throws. However, Nuggets were able to get the offensive rebound, sending the ball to the corner as Billups hit a 3 point shot to tie the game once again. There was 15 seconds left of the game when Nene tried to steal the ball from Chris Bosh, and was called for a foul. Bosh missed the first, but made the second. Raptors were up by one point, but not for long.



Carmelo Anthony missed a jump shot with 6 seconds left, but Denver were able to rebound the ball, and pass it to Billups, who was double teamed. Billups passed it to Carmelo Anthony who hit the game winning shot right at the buzzer to steal a victory. That was Anthony's second game winner this season. Toronto Raptors are now 35-37, while Denver Nuggets are 48-26, as both teams continue fighting for a better spot in their conferences.

NBA Free Agents in 2010

The free agency talk is heating up as the summer approaches. There's only about 10 games left of the Regular Season before the Playoffs start. This off-season has been anticipated more than any other. Several teams have been tanking, and shedding salaries to be able to sign some of the Top Free agents. Among those Free agents, there's LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudamire, Carlos Boozer, and many others. These All-Star players are most likely to get a Maximum contract, or close to it. Here's a brief breakdown of each player's situation and my predictions:

LeBron James

Small Forward

LeBron is arguably the best basketball player in the world. He's been putting up incredible stats since joining the league. He's also carried his team to the NBA Finals in 2007, despite having a weak roster. He won the Most Valuable Player award last Season, and it seems like he'll be doing it again this year. James was drafted with the first pick in 2003 by his hometown team, Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers (57-15) have the best record in NBA today, they've made several moves to improve the team bringing in Shaquille O'Neal during the off-season, and Antawn Jamison before the trade deadline. If they can't win it all this year, I can see LeBron leaving. Many teams are in the running to acquire James including New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Clippers. Personally, I don't see him joining the Clippers who have been one of the worst teams in the last few years, despite having a nice core. Nets (8-63) are currently the worst team in the NBA, but they have many expiring contracts which allows them to make a run at James. It's almost guaranteed they'll get the the first pick of the 2010 Draft, which is a very strong class. But I think James would prefer to be in a win now situation. Being the most attractive city, and having a lot of cap space which means the ability to sign two top Free agents, puts New York Knicks ahead of the rest. I think he'll stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but if he were to leave, I can see him heading to play for the Knicks.

Dwyane Wade

Shooting Guard

I see Wade staying in Miami, especially since they'll be able to sign another Top Free agent. If Heat can sign Stoudemire, Bosh or Boozer, there's absolutely no reason for Wade to leave. However, if they fail to make significant improvements, I think he'd head to play for his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.

Chris Bosh

Power Forward

Just like James and Wade, Chris Bosh was drafted in 2003 by the Toronto Raptors. However, his team hasn't been as successful as the Cavaliers and Heat. They've only made the playoffs twice, and couldn't make it past the first round. Some people have argued for years whether Chris Bosh is a franchise player or not. The stats are there to back him up, but he has failed to lead his team to any success in the Playoffs. Many believe he's better suited as a second option player, teaming up with a star player like LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. A lot of teams are eyeing Bosh, from Miami Heat to Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls. I don't see him playing alongside another Superstar, especially after this statement from last month: "I was just looking at what people say and it’s like, ‘Chris is going to go here and play with him or this, this and that.’ I’m like, ‘Wait a minute.’ I feel like I should be built around. And maybe that’s just my ego talking, but I feel that I’m a very good player in this league and I’m only going to get better. So … maybe we should be getting somebody [in Toronto]". It seems to me like Houston and Chicago would be the best possible destinations, they have a solid, young core, and they also have the assets to make a sign-and-trade deal. Raptors are 8th in the East, if they make the Playoffs and qualify to the Second Round, or at least play hard, I can see Bosh staying to play for the city he loves. Otherwise he won't be in a Raptors uniform next season.

Amar'e Stoudemire


Power Forward




Personally, I think Stoudemire won't be playing for the Phoenix Suns next year. They have several aging players such as Steve Nash, which doesn't seem like a good situation for him in the long run. I can see him joining Dwyane Wade next season in Miami. If not, I think he will sign with the New York Knicks as long they acquire LeBron James.

Joe Johnson


Shooting Guard




There's a strong possibility Joe Johnson will stay with his current team, Atlanta Hawks, for several reasons. They're a young talented team, and they've been improving every year. They're third in the Eastern Conference right now, and only one game behind the third place. They have a bright future as a team, which is why I strongly doubt Joe Johnson leaves. But I can also see him joining the New York Knicks, who will be making a run at two of the top Free agents, to play alongside Amar'e Stoudemire for example.

Carlos Boozer

Power Forward

I think Boozer will end up playing for Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, or his current team. He has a good team at the moment, and he's playing with an All-Star player, Deron Williams. I believe his decision will be based on his team's success in Playoffs.

This will be a very interesting off-season, and will determine the future of the NBA. Those were my personal predictions, I'd like to see yours, and I hope you enjoyed reading my blog.

NBA Awards

Hey guys, as we approach the end of the Season, I decided to make my personal predictions concerning the NBA Awards.

First, let me start off with the Rookie of the Year Award. This latest draft had 17 Guards drafted in the First Round, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that the best players from this Draft are Point/Shooting Guards.

My Top 5 candidates are:

Tyreke Evans

Drafted: 1st Round (4th pick) by the Sacramento Kings
Point Guard, Shooting Guard




Stephen Curry

Drafted: 1st Round (7th pick) by the Golden State Warriors
Point Guard




Darren Collison

Drafted: 1st Round (21st pick) by the Sacramento Kings
Point Guard




Brandon Jennings

Drafted: 1st Round (10th pick) by the Milwaukee Bucks
Point Guard




Jonny Flynn

Drafted: 1st Round (5th pick) by the Minnesota Timberwolves
Point Guard




I'm going with Tyreke Evans on this one, and I didn't even have to think twice about it. He's having a phenomenal Rookie season averaging 20 PPG (Points Per Game), 5.5 APG (Assists), and 5.0 RPG (Rebounds). He's on his way to become the fourth ever Rookie to do so, joining Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. That alone should tell you something. Evans has also won the NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge MVP last month. This past Wednesday, he had his first career Triple Double against the Toronto Raptors, and he's also hit two Game Winners this Season, which is impressive for a Rookie.




Next up is the Sixth Man of the Year award, and here are my Top 5 candidates:

J.R. Smith



Shooting Guard




Manu Ginobili


Shooting Guard




Jason Terry


Shooting Guard




Jamal Crawford


Shooting Guard




Lamar Odom


Forward




This wasn't an easy pick at all, but I'll have to go with Atlanta Hawks' Jamal Crawford. In his first year with Atlanta, Crawford is coming off the bench to provide scoring, and he's done a good job doing so. He's averaging 17.5 PPG, and he's been great in crunch time hitting big shots to put his team in a position to win. Below is an example of that:



Next is the Most Improved Player award, I had a hard time picking my Top 5, and leaving out other deserving players, but here are the Top candidates:

Russell Westbrook


Point Guard




Carl Landry


Power Forward




Chris Kaman


Center




Corey Brewer


Guard-Forward




Aaron Brooks


Point Guard




As much I want to say Westbrook, I'll have to pick Aaron Brooks. When Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady were expected to miss a part, if not the full season, people predicted the Houston Rockets would be the worst team in the league. However, that isn't the case. Aaron Brooks has stepped up and led them to a 32-31 record, averaging 19.8 PPG, 5.1 APG, and 2.0 RPG.



And now, the most important Award of all, Most Valuable Player, and here are my Top 5:

Kobe Bryant


Shooting Guard




Steve Nash


Point Guard




Carmelo Anthony


Small Forward




LeBron James


Small Forward




Kevin Durant


Small Forward




At the beginning of the Season, it seemed like Carmelo Anthony was a safe bet for MVP. But then he struggled with injuries, as Kobe Bryant took over. He was on the Top of the Race, but not for long, because he had to deal with injuries as well. Players like Steve Nash and Kevin Durant were performing great, but not enough to compete with LeBron James. Jame has been carrying his team, Cleveland Cavaliers, to the best record in the League (50-15), while averaging 30 PPG, 8.5 APG, and 7.2 RPG. Players like Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Chauncey Billups, Dirk Nowitzki deserve honorable mentions, but the 2009-2010 MVP remains LeBron James.



I hope you enjoyed reading this Blog, and feel free to leave your own predictions.