Toronto Raptors vs Minnesota Timberwolves Feb.10/08

he Toronto Raptors learned their lesson about overlooking so-called lesser teams.

Two nights after allowing the last-place Los Angeles Clippers to rally and win in Toronto, the Raptors clearly didn't overlook the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Andrea Bargnani scored 16 points and Jose Calderon had 15 points and 10 assists for his second consecutive double-double to help the Raptors beat the Wolves 105-82 on Sunday night.

``We can't just show up and expect to win,'' all-star Chris Bosh said. ``Sometimes you look at some teams' records and you just think you are going to show up and get crowned the winner. It doesn't work like that.''

With five Raptors in double figures and their top two point guards combining for 23 assists, Toronto was a model of offensive efficiency. The Raptors drained the life out of the Wolves and their fans with a perimeter-oriented offence _ their swishes amplified through the building by the backboard microphone.

``(Friday) was a tough game,'' Bargnani said. ``We played good almost the whole game, then lost at the end on very bad luck. We did a good job to stay focused as they came back today.''

Calderon _ who's had at least 10 assists in five of his last six games _ and T.J. Ford combined for more assists than the Timberwolves as a whole. Bosh added 14 points for the Raptors, and Ford had seven points and 13 assists, his highest totals since returning to the lineup from injury Feb. 4.

``We just tried to get everyone involved,'' said Calderon, who has 19 double-doubles this season. ``We just tried to find the wide open guys and not force it. ... Everybody made the extra pass, that's how we beat this team tonight.''

As in Friday's loss, the Raptors built an early lead before allowing the Wolves to pull even in the second quarter. This time, though, Toronto responded with timely buckets and aggressive defence.

Antoine Walker's three-pointer with 1:18 to play in the second quarter tied it at 45. But Calderon answered with two threes to swing the momentum that Toronto carried into the next half.

``Calderon knocking down shots like that is a big momentum changer for them,'' Corey Brewer said. ``They just kept adding it; kept getting momentum and knocking shots down.''

Al Jefferson scored 18 points for Minnesota, which has played well as of late despite owning the league's second-worst record.

Jefferson entered the game averaging 30.2 points and 15 rebounds in his last six games in Minneapolis. But Toronto threw multiple defenders at Minnesota's big man, and the Wolves offence sputtered two nights after taking league-leading Boston down to the final seconds. Jefferson and Marko Jaric were 13-for-22 from the floor, but the rest of the Wolves went 19-for-56.

``I didn't see this coming,'' Wolves coach Randy Wittman said. ``I thought our guys would respond after even a tough loss like that.''

The Raptors shot just over 50 per cent from the floor. They have shot at least 50 per cent in their last four wins since Jan. 25. In their three losses, they've shot under 44 per cent.

After trading big runs in the first half, Toronto established control in the third quarter, outscoring Minnesota 20-8 to build a comfortable lead that the Wolves never threatened the rest of the way.

Notes: Timberwolves G Rashad McCants left in the second quarter with a sprained right ankle and is day-to-day. ... Toronto is 12-2 when shooting better than 50 per cent. ... The Raptors have won seven consecutive games against Minnesota dating back to 2005, representing their longest current win streak against an opponent. ... Former Timberwolves C Rasho Nesterovic scored eight points for Toronto. Nesterovic, who Minnesota drafted with the 17th pick in the 1998 draft, will play a back-to-back against his other former team _ San Antonio _ on Monday.

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• Feb.10/08

[nick89kb]

calderon is wayy betterr than TJ ford.Toronto needs a player who share the ball well not a ball hog like Ford.Calderon is a great team player who can score and make 8/9 assist per game.

[Grapes428]

Calderon has gotta be in the Top 3 best PG's in the East for sure.

[teetman]

calderon is god but he is no tj ford tj is way better in the fastbreak then jose and if tj and moon had more time to play together moon would have been a great dunker

[teetman]

calderon is god but he is no tj ford tj is way better in the fastbreak then jose and if tj and moon had more time to play together moon would have been a great dunker

[kizaman]

fuck you. calderon's fucking awesome. have u seen his shooting percentages? his turnover rate? he's fucking awesome. he's got the whole package for a point guard. wtf are you complainging about? T.J. ford was ok but watevs. its all bout calderon

[kronikdj]

You're a complete smacktard man. Calderon right now is one of the best PG's in the NBA, and that's just a fact. Accept it.I want Ford back as a starter as much as any other Raps fan, but to complain about Calderon playing the role is complete idiocy. He's incredibly good at what he does.

[diegoheco]

you are a complete redneck man. calderón is much better than ford right now and you know that well.

[ryan15152000]

calm down there. This is only Ford's second game back from a scary and near career ending injury. They'll work him back into game shape and make their decision from there. Either way though, no matter who starts, they'll split time and there will always be a high quality point guard running the floor for the Raps.

[cbo1360]

fuck this joses still a starter for us we got everyone at starting we supposto excsept gay calderon fuck him put back ford dumbass mitchell u had rasho before like a idiot now when ford there u dont put him? fuck u mitchell and go raps!!

[Spondinnanzi]

VIVA Bergnani