Wow, what a development! I've just come from reading about shocking NBA trade news involving the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, and Orlando Magic. Orlando sent Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, and Mickael Pietrus to Phoenix in return for Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark. Jason Richardson can now team up once again with Quentin Richardson just like they did in their old days in L.A. when they were with the Clippers years ago. The only differences are: they're older, and swingman Darius Miles isn't with them as he was in the Clippers days. Orlando also sent Rashard Lewis to Washington for Gilbert Arenas in a separate trade move. This means that Raptors fans will NOT see Vince Carter play against the Raptors in Toronto until February 25. That will be the ONLY time this season that Vince returns to Toronto as well. Here are the links to the trade news: Suns Staff Reports on Trade, Wizards Staff Reports on Trade
In other news, Toronto pulled off a huge comeback against the Eastern-Conference-worst New Jersey Nets after two disappointing losses in a row to Charlotte and Chicago. Andrea Bargnani was great in this game, earning 32 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks in approximately 38 minutes of work. He was especially dominating in the 2nd half where he scored 24 points on 10-15 shooting. The other great thing about this game was that it featured the return of starting point guard Jose Calderon. This proved to be immediately effective as he scored a steady 15 points on 7-9 shooting and earned 14 assists. He, like Bargnani, was also better in the 2nd half, getting 11 points, 8 assists, and only 1 turnover. Now, about that comeback...it was earned by a solid 2nd half, ending with a superb 4th quarter. With New Jersey leading 79-73 with 9:27 left in the final quarter to play, Toronto used a 16-2 run over the next 4 minutes to take an 8-point lead. The Nets wouldn't back down however and pulled to within 2 points with 38 left. Then, on Toronto's next possession, Andrea Bargnani matched up against New Jersey star point guard Devin Harris and called for the ball. He promptly received it, and passed it to reserve guard Leandro Barbosa when a second New Jersey Nets player came over to double-team on Bargnani. Barbosa nailed down the 3-pointer to put Toronto up 97-92 with 15 seconds left. After that, it was over and T.O. won the game.
Some numbers before I talk about the London Knights...
- The Raptors picked up 26 assists on 40 shots.
- Reserve small forward Linus Kleiza picked up a career-high 12 rebounds and 4 assists in the game.
- With the Raptors win, Andrea Bargnani has led the team 15 times in scoring this year.
- Toronto has now won 6 straight games vs the New Jersey Nets.
- In the game on Friday, the Toronto starting lineup players combined for 85 points, which is a team-high this season.
Here is the recap for the game: Raptors Earn Another Comeback Victory
Toronto's next game is Sunday vs Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers at 1:00 PM. The game will air on TSN. Now, onto the Knights...
On Friday, the Knights played their final game before their Christmas break. It was at home in the John Labatt Centre against the Owen Sound Attack. London played a great game, winning 4-1. London owned the shots on goal category by a count of 41-30. Goals by the Knights were scored by Vladislav Namestnikov, Andreas Athanasiou, Scott Harrington and Stephen Sanza. Owen Sound's only goal came by Robby Mignardi. London now doesn't play until the 29th vs the Guelph Storm on the road. That game starts at 7:00 PM. Here's the recap of the victory vs the Owen Sound Attack: Knights get Christmas Present from Owen Sound
Well, that's all. Be sure to catch the action between the Raptors and the Lakers on Sunday. Until then, you all take care.
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