picked up a loss last night in Detroit didnt play well at all we lacked the energy we showed the past few games. Plus it didnt help Dwight getting injured likign Carter more and more every gam really settled in nicely

Lively game for the Raps last night, with the bench boys and in particular Jarett Jack really getting the job done. The number of points we're conceding is a worry still, but the display from the bench really highlighted how much we've strengthened in that area this season, which definitely makes us a far stronger team than last season.

I'm hoping the defence tightens up and getting Reggie back will certainly help in that area.

We're now on the road for 7 of our next 8 games as we hit the Western Conf. teams. That's really brutal. A huge test so early in the season.

Orlando crushed the Suns last night without Vince Carter too looking a lot sharper than against Detroit. Ryan Anderson had a huge game Howard was hes own constitent best and Nelson is coming right into he's stride now. Atlanta are looking quite good at the moment good all round team with Joe Johnson,Jamal Crawford,Josh Smith,Mike Bibby and Marvin Harris they look really strong fancy them for the playoffs

A guy I work with just told me his daughter can get me half price Raptors tickets for some of the less desirable games (she works at the ACC). Sorted.

An excellent 1 point win for the Bulls over the Cav’s last night. Great double coverage from Deng and Noah prevented LeBron from scoring the winning basket as time ran out.

was good defence but it could of gone anyway that call there was some contact but i think they got it right. Think the Cavs are going to struggle this year 1nce again they are relying on james too much. Mo Williams isnt providing enough Shaq isnt the player he was. You cant rely too much on 1 player in this league

I suppose it’s a lack of understanding on my part, by some of the calls made on the court that have prevented me from becoming a basketball fan sooner. The end to last night’s game could have been a prime example of this. Although there was contact between Deng and James, I think Deng just attempted to stand his ground and make things difficult for James, any contact happened as James tried to force the play, so the call was right imo.

But so many times, I have seen similar plays result in a defensive foul. As a floating fan, this can be frustrating and have a negative effect, as it always seemed to me that the defense got very little support from the refs. As I say, I thought the call was right last night, so hopefully, as I watch more basketball it will put these issues I had to bed.

I suppose in some ways James was the Cav’s downfall last night. As you rightly say, that team relies on him far too much. When it came to that final inbound with a few seconds left it would have been no surprise to the Bulls that he would receive the ball, so there was little gamble in their decision to double team him and make his shot attempt as hard as possible. Had they been a more balanced team, James may not have had the special attention and could have made the shot.

I suppose it is worrying for the Cav’s that they have already lost as many games at home as they did in the full season last year.

your right mate they are well too hard on the defences these days i agree with you the call last night was right they just go the other way far to often. When somebody is driving to the hoop there is always going to be contact they are too harsh on the defence. I know what you getting at with James but the problem is they have no other match winners so it had to go to him. The players need to step up in game if Williams could averag say 16 points Shaq 16 they would have a better chance cause defences can afford to double team James and leave Williams open bacause this year he has been useless shooting

The problem with the Cavs is depth, in Orlando you can have a player almost as capable coming in as the one he's replacing. I agree to an extent r.e defence but unfortunately thats the rules. james will have to adapt his game the way MJ did in terms of getting better at a fadeaway jumper etc.

Lmao agree about depth but the thunder made our depth look shocking last night lol take your point about James look at Bryant he's fadeaway is the best in the NBA rarely see him take it to the basket now cause of the defensive ruling.

Back to back high scoring losses for the Raps. They had a real chance last night at San Antonio and I think the coach can pick up some of the blame for this one. Our bench was rolling early in the 4th quarter but he decided to bring back a couple of the starters and it fooked up the momentum comletely. Was all downhill after that. We're definitely a moer talented team than last year, but the same old frailties are showing.

I hope to see some improvement when we take on Chicago on Weds. Got my tickets today.

And for the bulls it was an ugly loss. I am realising so much of this game is dependant on momentum, the bulls lost a close 1 to the nuggets by a point the night before last, I wonder if they would have played so poorly last night had that been a 1 point victory.

Anyway weel played to the raptors. They look ok at home, but have not bees so good on the road.

I sky+ the cavs @ magic game last night o will watch that later.