Regular Season Game 18: Toronto Raptors (13-4) at Orlando Magic (9-8)

[woosah]

i love the assumption of since wes is bad at offense he must be good at defence. he is **** at defence. he cant rebound, he cant move the ball. he basically cant play basketball in a meaningful way. only thing he has going for him is positional size. surprise, surprise.

We knew of the team's deficiencies when we went into the season. They are getting wins and that is a surprise because it wasn't too positive when news of signing Grant hit, and Wes was in d league last year so most probably didn't see him starting. Hammond and Weltman want Cliff to make miracles i guess.

[UCFJayBird]

It sucked to lose the game, especially at the hands of Danny Green, but to come so close against a team playing some excellent ball speaks volumes to how far this team has come in such a short time under Clifford. I was frustrated and upset last night after the game (granted I had a root canal that afternoon so I was particularly on edge, lol), but today I'm quite optimistic about this team. Certainly has flaws, certain players need to step up (Evan, Bamba) and some need to stop playing like a freshman in HS trying to prove themselves (Simmons), but overall I like the direction the team is heading.

[thelead]

I'm not one for moral victories. I'll only be okay with this loss if they don't hang their heads and continue to play great basketball as they have been.

[ChosenSavior]

I'm not one for moral victories. I'll only be okay with this loss if they don't hang their heads and continue to play great basketball as they have been.

Exactly. I think they will as Clifford does have their attention and we are playing a sustainable type of basketball. If we can get wins in Denver and LA this weekend, people will get over this loss.

[mattyBoi]

A main takeaway from this game is that BIG is amazing on defense. If we can find some high powered offensive players to go with that group (who will also develop on offense) things will be very interesting.

[PhilBlackson]

Some of you might have seen me in your draft threads raving about Isaac's potential and why I think Bamba was actually an excellent pick to play alongside him but I think it's awesome that you guys are starting to see some glances of what could be as a franchise...

I just think ORL as team/franchise is just flying so low under the radar because yes there's been a long period of mediocrity (to put it kindly) but I don't think league recognizes yet the potential of your team because they're stuck on a previous perception. Right now some of the (young) vets are finally stepping up ie/ Augustin, Fournier & even occasionally Ross. But Gordon is just starting to put it all together offensively and Isaac/Bamba have barely scratched the surface of what they can become, there's so much raw potential between the 2 of them. I don't think people yet realize what you may have, imo it's a team with the upside (in the FUTURE) to be a top team in the East, I really do.

I know you guys started out a lil hot last year, similar to this season but I think part of fizzling out was just youth and guys gaining some consistency/continuity etc, some of it might be coaching etc. I don't think you guys quite make the Playoffs just yet but I think you're going to make a fairly significant step forward and people will start recognizing your team as an up & coming one in the league as long as guys keep this energy and consistent effort. About only issue I have is that it kinda sucks in a way because really wanted to see you guys cash in on one more top pick especially one that could help run your offense ie/ RJ Barrett but if you're still able to get someone like Kevin Porter you'll be laughing. I think you guys have the POTENTIAL to make some noise, get noticed and finally start to have something brewing. I just hope they keep it up; good luck with the rest of the season!

#teamisaac

[Furinkazan]

I blame Ross and coach for keeping him even though you could tell after his fist stint which side of the coin you are getting tonight.
Also keeping our best defenders on the bench on that last play wow that was a brainfart.
Still awesome effort and Evan drive and dunk was nasty.