It amazes me that Boston isn't first in the league; the amount of skill and effort is insane. It's rare that visiting teams start those early Sunday games well in Toronto, but they were certainly ready to play yesterday. The Raptors played pretty well outside those first two minutes, but until they're definitely a bit of skill and a lot of effort below an elite team like Boston.
As for Turkoglu, he's had some good games over their last 10, but to me he's a bit like Jokinen: his value can't be really evaluated until we see how he does in the playoffs. He's had great games against his old team, and an Orlando/Toronto first round matchup is very possible, and very winnable (easily the one of the top four in the east that I'd like us to play).
Bargnani's rebounding stats aren't pretty good, but he's definitely doing a better job of boxing out lately, and the Raptors' team rebounding has improved as a result. But he still has a ways to go before he's even average. Also, I was disappointed in his perimeter defense yesterday: he was usually the guy who was late getting out to Wallace. As a big man who can shoot well from the outside himself, he should be better at recognising those situations on the other end of the court. His shot-blocking is vastly improved though.
I really like what Calderon is bringing off the bench. He's being way more aggressive himself, while still distributing really well. But yeah, managing him and Turkoglu and Jack is proving to be a bit difficult for Triano.
Anyway, the schedule is still in the Raptors' favour for a +500 record and fifth in the east. Two important road games against weak teams (Indiana and NY) this week, before a five game stretch of very tough ones (Dallas, @Cleveland, Milwaukee, @Milwaukee, LA Lakers). Even though Milwaukee is a mediocre team, they're a tough matchup for the Raptors. After that stretch, their schedule turns very favourable: 30 of their last 39 are winnable games.
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