Nice first game for the Raps, everyone who saw minutes seemed to do a good job of executing their role. Demar DeRozan in particular impressed me. He didn't stand out for any specific reason but played a strong all around game and looked extremely comfortable on the floor. Didn't force anything nor did he shy away from any open looks, he was constantly moving and getting free on backdoor cuts, didn't look terribly out of place on D. If I didn't know, I wouldn't have guessed he was a rookie in his first ever NBA game.
The 1st, 2nd & 4th quarters were great for the Raps. The guards were doing a great job of cutting to the basket and it seemed to consistently result in either dunks/layups or fouls. Bosh did a great job of mixing it up down low and earning some well deserved 2nd chance points off contested rebounds.
Watching the Raps standing around the perimeter in the third quarter and chuck with no support on the glass brought back painful memories of years past. Seeing them re-group and re-establish what was working for them earlier in the game was real nice to see. Even when the Cavs came back to tie from 20 down, the Raps never seemed to panic or get down. Kudos to Triano keeping the team focused.
Definitely a positive start for the boys, November is a death month for the Raps having to play the class of the East & West almost exclusively all month long. Hopefully this provides the Raps a chance to come in and surprise off some contenders early. If they can be sitting at around 7-11 or better coming out of November, they will be in a great position to make some noise in the East.
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