Chris Bosh and Jarrett Jack embrace after an emotional win over the defending champions
The Raptors rode a productive bench and clutch play of their stars in the fourth quarter to take the huge “W” over the Lakers. This is probably the biggest win of the season for the Raptors and they did it by making smart plays late in the game. A win like this builds confidence going into a very favourable stretch of the schedule. The fact that Hedo Turkoglu made the two biggest free throws of the game to clinch it is a very positive sign for this team going forward. If Hedo gets going this team will continue to be tough to beat.
The Zan For Three
A Monkey off the Back
No player in the last few months has been criticized more that Hedo Turkoglu. Hell, his acting was even being criticized. How nice it must feel to have made the deciding baskets to win a game against the best team in the NBA. He wasn’t having a great game tonight but Jay Triano and the Raptors’ players showed confidence in him and Hedo rewarded them with a strong drive at the right time. Let’s hope this lights a fire under Turkoglu and we will all look back at this moment as a momentum change in the race for the playoffs.
Bench Depth
Andrea Bargnani doesn't let Andrew Bynum get an easy basket. One of many strong defensive plays by Number 7 on the night.
The Raptros relied heavily on their bench today in order to snatch victory from the clutches of defeat. Marco Belinelli was phenomenal off the bench and is looking more and more confident all the time. Amir Johnson also played strong minutes. And in the final seconds of the game who was asked to guard Kobe?…Antoine Wright. If the Raptors are going to continue to be successful this season they are going to have to continue to use their bench strength. It really does separate them from some of the other pretenders in the league.
4th Quarter Smarts
The Raptors were battling back and forth with the Lakers in the fourth quarter and instead of relying on their jumper they drove the net. Bargnani, Jack and eventually Turkoglu all drove the net on key possessions. These decisions led to points in all instances and were possessions that decided the game. I hope Jay Triano and his staff jotted that note down because it is something the Raptors need to keep doing.
Plus the Foul
Mr. 4th Quarter
Hedo made the crucial freebies at the end but I’m talking about Andrea Bargnani. He played great defense on Gasol and Bynum down the stretch, contesting every shot that came near him and almost coralled a huge steal at a key moment in the 4th. Bargnani was also incredibly smart with the ball. He had 12pts in the frame but made smart passes and took the shot when he knew it was wise to. His drive with only a couple of minutes left cut the lead to one and inspired his team to fight for the win. He didn’t take the final shot but he was the reason the Raptors had the opportunity to.
Zan of the Game
Andrea Bargnani
He made the shots at the right time, played excellent defense and continues to look more and more confident in his game. This is a period of time we all may look back on as the beginning of something special.
Not Zan of the Game
Anyone who wasn’t at the game. That was one of the more electric crowds I’ve seen at the ACC this season; and they got a treat of a match up. Yes, it was the Lakers. Yes, it was Kobe. But the crowd was in it every step of the way and was much more concerned with the result on the court than the free pizza each of them will receive tomorrow. An awesome night for anyone lucky enough to see it live.
Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald
The Zan Tabak Herald 