Talking Ball - Raptors Blog

2011 Seasons's Finals Episode

2011-06-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

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NBA Finals Review

Mavs win championship over Heat (4-2)

Heat - beat 76ers, Celtics & Bulls
Mavs - beat Portland, sweep Lakers, Thunder

Will there be a trend of players coming together to create a team, as the Heat did this year? Knicks?

Around the NBA

Mark Jackson to Coach Golden State
Houston hires McHale
Lakers hire a defense coach in Mike Brown (no more tirangle offense)
who does the Raptors hire for a new coach? Lawrence Frank? Dwane Casey? Mo Cheeks?
Shaq retires
Will Howard stay in Orlando? Like he says he wants to stay.

Upcoming

NBA Draft - who goes first?

Cleveland
Minnesota
Utah
Cleveland again
Raptors

Do we start the season on time? Miss pre-season?

Thanks for listening!

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Season 2010 Episode 4 - Mbah alright

2009-11-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

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Raptors in review

win over los angeles clippers 104-89
loss to phoenix suns 101-100
loss to denver nuggets 130-112
loss to utah jazz 104-91

Around the NBA

Jameer Nelson had surgery on his left knee - out four to six weeks.

Hot lanta~!

Stephen Jackson gets traded... but to Charlotte

Nets haven't won a game yet!

ROY - Brandon Jennings - best rookie this season, maybe one of the best players in the league

If the Scooper doesn't pay for cable tv, can he watch any game by streaming it on line?

Upcoming

Friday Miami at ACC - TSN2
Sunday Orlando at ACC - CBC
Tuesday Indiana at ACC - the score
another back to back Wednesday in Charlotte vs Bobcats - the score

Thanks for listening!

This week's show can be found here. Enjoy!

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S2010 Episode 3 - rollin in my gold BMW

2009-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

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Raptors in review
loss to memphis 107-115

loss to orlando 116-125

win over detroit 110-99

win over new orleans 107-90

loss to dallas 101-129

loss to san antonio 124-131

win over chicago 99-89

Around the NBA

who's hot -

Boston 7-1
Milwaukee 3-2 leads central? Chicago and Cleveland 4-3
Miami 6-1
Orlando 6-2
Denver 6-2
Phoenix 7-1
LA Lakers 6-1
Dallas 5-2

Iverson no longer in Memphis

Upcoming
Friday in LA versus clippers - TSN2
Sunday in Phoenix versus suns - TSN2
Tuesday in Denver versus nuggets - TSN
Wednesday in Utah versus jazz - the score

ends their road trip

Thanks for listening!

This week's show can be found here. Enjoy!

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talkshoe player

2009-10-29T17:03:00.001-07:00

S2010 Episode 2 - not recorded....

2009-10-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

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Week in Review
win over Cleveland Cavs 101-91

Around the League

Cleveland is 0-2 after losing to Boston night before
Boston with 2 wins - last night over Bobcats 92-59 (franchise low for Charlotte)
Magic open season with win over 76ers
Clippers 0-2 (lakers & suns) and loss of Blake Griffin with a broken left kneecap

Raptors exercised the fourth-year team option on Belinelli's contract - now guaranteed through the 2010-11 season

www.nba.com the league pass (stream video on the interwebs) is free this weekend (until Nov3) - discounted price now of $135

Upcoming

Friday in Memphis (no Iverson) - TSN2
Sunday Orlando Magic at ACC - on CBC (former Raptors - Vince) - CBC
Wednesday Detroit Pistons at ACC (former Raptor Charlie Villanueva) - TSN2

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. Unfortunately, no show was recorded this week... sorry.. blame me! come back next week for a great listen!

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S2010 Episode 1 - Ron Artest, Imma let you finish, but Stephen Jackson is the craziest NBA player out there

2009-10-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

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NBA Season Preview
Laker repeat? - get Ron Artest
Cavs reload with Shaq (and cast off raptors - Jamario Moon & Anthony Parker)
Orlando re... shuffle the roster (trade away Courtney Lee get Vince Carter) - Matt Barnes, Jason Williams
Toronto starts from scratch (Marcus Banks, Marco Belinelli, DeMar DeRozan, Reggie Evans, Jarrett Jack, Amir Johnson, Rasho Nesterovic, Hedo Turkoglu, Patrick O'Bryant, Sonny Weems, Antone Wright)
Boston adds Wallace but generally stays status quo
Detroit grabs Charlie V & Ben Gordon
New Orleans trades for Emeka Okafor
Clippers draft Blake Griffin
Minnesota draft 2 PGs including Ricky Rubio

Upcoming for the Raptors

Season starts October 28
Cleveland Cavs at the ACC
trip to Memphis Friday Oct 30
Orlando Magic at the ACC Sun Nov 1

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show can be found here. Enjoy!

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New Shows for 2010 Season

2009-10-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

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talkingraptorball.blogspot.com

I spoke to the boys.... we're going to do more shows this season. If you have any comments or suggestions, please drop us a line. Or tweet us a message @talkingball

Thanks for listening!

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WTF - apparently the blog is under construction

2009-02-20T08:54:00.000-08:00

I seem to have lost all of my posts... by changing my template... I will attempt to recover them later.. for now you can find the latest show here

Episode 64 - Charlie Villanueva thinks Toronto is underrated

2009-02-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

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talkingraptorball.blogspot.com

Week in Review
loss to Cleveland 93-76 - Marion with 10 points in his Raptors debut

West beats East in All-Star game - 146-119
Kobe and Shaq are the Co-MVPs
Nate Robinson wins his second dunk contest
Miami's Daequan Cook wins the 3 point contest

Trades

The Celtics will send Sam Cassell and cash to the Kings for a future second-round pick - Kings will then waive Sam

Tyson Chandler to the Oklahoma Thunder - the Hornets receiving forwards Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox the Hornets will also receive the draft rights to Devon Hardin, who was selected No. 50 overall by the Thunder in the 2008 draft

Raptors pick up Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, give up Jermaine O'Neil and Jamario Moon and a conditional draft pick

Late news - Chicago Bulls get Brad Miller and John Salmons from the Sacramento Kings for Drew Gooden, Michael Ruffin, Cedric Simmons and Andres Nocioni. Michael Ruffin is promptly shipped to Portland for Ike Diogu and cash.

Around the NBA

Suns' coach, Terry Porter is released and Alvin Gentry is the new coach

Suns' Richardson suspended after arrest - driving 55 mph above the limit with his unrestrained 3-year-old son in the car - "I just want to apologize to everybody - my teammates, my family, especially my fiancee," he said. "It's a tough time for me. I've been questioned as a basketball player, questioned as a person, but my fatherhood in question is tough, because I try to be the best father I can be, and try to keep my kids out of harm's way.

SI's The Pop Culture Grid

Charlie Villanueva Bucks F
_______ is completely underrated - answer - Toronto

Pure Rumours

crazy 3 team deal (rumour) - Amare' Stoudemire to Toronto, Bosh to Chicago, Phoenix Suns a package of players and draft picks from the Bulls, likely to include Drew Gooden and his expiring $7.2 million contract, Tyrus Thomas and a first-round pick - Chicago Sun-times

Upcoming

Friday in NYC
Sunday NYC Knicks at ACC - on CBC
Tuesday Minnesota at ACC

then small road trip to
Phoenix - TSN2
Dallas
Houston - TSN2

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Revisit Episode 60 - Raptors Acquire Shawn Marion

2009-02-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

TRADE!

We have been yammering on about this trade for a few shows lately. It finally has happened, about a week before the NBA's trade deadline. The trade consists of Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks from the Miami Heat (both were in the Phoenix trade last year for Shaq) and leaving the Raptors are Jermaine O'Neil and fan favourite Jamario Moon.

The Raptors also give up a draft pick that is lottery protect between 2010-2015. The Heat have also thrown in some cash.

We'll talk more on Wednesday, but with Andrea Bargnani's play as of late and injuries to J.O. this trade made more and more sense. The Raptors finally get some quickness at the 3 spot, as well as additional help at the point guard position, even if they have only rented Shawn Marion for the remainder of this season.

Thanks for listening, and we'll have a more detailed report on Wednesday.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. Revisit Episode 60 show for our first conversation about the Marion for O'Neil trade here. Enjoy!

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Episode 63 - Ronny Turiaf has a family of birds in that beard

2009-02-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

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Week in Review
loss to the New Orleans Hornets 101-92
loss to the Memphis Grizzlies 78-70
win over the Minnesota T-wolves 110-102
tonight win over the San Antonio Spurs 91-89

Around the League

Vladimir Radmanovic for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown
Warriors 144 Knicks 127!!!!!!

All Star News
Mo Williams to replace Chris Bosh on Eastern All Star team.
HORSE – Kevin Durant, O.J. Mayo and Joe Johnson
Dunk Contest – Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, Portland's Rudy Fernandez, J.R. Smith – Rudy Gay will not compete due to strained hip

Pure Rumour
Tinsley for Felton
Stoudemire rumoured to go every where…

Upcoming
All Star Game – Saturday Night
All Star Game – Sunday
next Wednesday Cleveland

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 62 - Chris Paul, an above average basketball player

2009-02-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

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Week in Review
loss to the Milwaukee Bucks 96-85
loss to the Orlando Magic 113-90
loss to the Cleveland Cavs 101-83
tonight - loss to LA Lakers (TSN2) - 115 -107

Around the League

according to Stephen A Smith Chris Bosh wants out of Toronto – although Scooper believes these are just some rants from a lunatic

Orlando's other All Star, Jameer Nelson out with torn right shoulder

Chris Paul out with a mild strain of his groin……

Deron Williams might be back with the Jazz this week

Larry Hughes is moved to inactive list.. lots of DNP-CD - there is a new post on heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com

Tinsley and Marbary both not playing for their respective teams, not being traded and not getting a buy out and not happy about it

All star news

Released the players making the teams

East - Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Joe Johnson, Jameer Nelson, Danny Granger, Chris Bosh, Devin Harris and Rashard Lewis

West - Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Tim Duncan, Amare Stoudemire, Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaquille O'Neal, Brandon Roy, Chauncey Billups, Pau Gasol, David West and Tony Parker

Upcoming

Mini Road trip

Friday in New Orleans
back to back Saturday in Memphis
Tuesday in Minnesota

back to back Wednesday the Spurs are at the ACC

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Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's showjavascript:void(0) is posted here. Enjoy!

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NBA Trivia Answer and other stuff

2009-01-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

First, if you haven't heard this week's show, check out the blog entry below or go here where this week's show is posted.

What NBA player has won the most MVP awards? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the Maurice Podoloff Trophy a record 6 times.

Next, check out the first picture of this story from the NY News. Why does Vince have such a huge smile after a loss to the Raptors? Ron Antonelli took this great shot. You can check out more of his work on the NY News or at his website.

Some Raptor History
Remember 1995? The Toronto Raptors finished their first year in the league with a 21-61 record and their home games were played in the cavernous Skydome. Who has a better picture of the makeshift stands that surrounded the court, than the one above? Send it in or a link and we'll post it on the blog.

Episode 61 - Frankenstein Small Forward - Graham, Moon & Kapono

2009-01-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

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Week in Review
Friday win over Bulls 114-94
Sunday win over Kings 113-97
Tonight win over Nets (on TSN2) 107-106

Around the NBA
Steve Francis was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, the second time in his career that he was a Grizzly but never once wore a uniform.

Charlotte Bobcats beat the LA Lakers in Double overtime. Gerald Wallace suffered a partially collapsed left lung and a fractured rib in the game, as well as Trevor Ariza suffers a concussion during the game.

Concussions must be contagious, because Brian Scalabrine had 2 concussions in three days.

Upcoming for the Raptors
Friday Milwaukee visits the ACC
Sunday Orlando comes to town
Tuesday in Cleveland
Wednesday LA Lakers in Toronto

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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NBA Daily Stuff

2009-01-26T07:03:00.000-08:00

After Toronto tried to comeback from a 24 point 4th quarter deficit last week against Indiana, we got to thinking...

Who had the largest comeback in an NBA game? Milwaukee Bucks! On November 25, 1977 against the Atlanta Hawks, the Bucks were down 29 with 8:43 remaining, they ended the game with a 35-4 run and a 117-115 win.

Is there a better story? Sure. The largest deficit at half-time a winning team faced was 34 points. On November 27, 1996 the Utah Jazz overcame a 34-point halftime deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets, 107-103.

NBA Trivia

2009-01-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple one.

What NBA player has won the most MVP awards?

Extra points to those that can also give the name of the trophy.

Email us at talking.ball@gmail.com with your answers.

We let you know the winner (no prize this time, just bragging rights) and the answers in a future post.

Daily (or when I remember) NBA fact/trivia/useless info

2009-01-23T19:21:00.000-08:00

Let's start with a fact from way back...

Back in 1953, Don Meineke won the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy for Rookie of the Year. Don played for Fort Wayne and surprising lead the league that year in personal fouls and disqualifications. Don, or the Monk as he was known, averaged 10.7 points per game that year and 6.9 rebounds per game.

(more history - Eddie Gottlieb helped establish the forerunner to the NBA, the BAA, played in the 1920s, coached, bought and then shipped the Philadelphia Warriors to San Francisco - plus way too much more to list....)

Episode 60 - the hedgehog can win basketball games

2009-01-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

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Raptors in Review
loss to the Indiana Pacers 111-104
loss to the Phoenix Suns 117-113
loss to the Atlanta Hawks 87-84
tonight against Detroit - loss 95-76

Halfway point Raptors are 16-28

Around the NBA
Orlando leads the league with 33-8 record – 7 game win streak – impressive wins over Atlanta (back to back), and west coast swing that included San Antonio, Lakers and Nuggets.

Memphis signs Darius Miles to another 10 day – looking at his stats – no games since 2005 (is that right?), 5 games with Memphis this year, 5pts in 9 minutes and 2 rebounds. - Miles is back from major knee surgery. His return to the league means his contract should count toward
Portland's salary cap.

Marbury says he has a commitment from 1 team and is willing to accept $1 million dollar less bye out from the Knicks

The Dallas Mavericks have added another shooting guard by trading backup center DeSagana Diop to Charlotte Bobcats for guard Matt Carroll and backup center Ryan Hollins

Pure Rumors

Miami Herald - Miami Heat continues to consider a deal for Jermaine O'Neal, Miami has been giving thought to other Shawn Marion trade scenarios - Dallas small forward Josh Howard
Several teams have inquired about Marion, who's unlikely to re-sign here, but it's not certain a deal will happen. The Heat considers center its No. 1 need and O'Neal as the best center available but remains concerned about his sore right knee (which has sidelined him 11 games this season) and the $23 million he's due in 2009-10, the last year of his contract. It's 50-50 whether Miami will accept Toronto's offer of O'Neal for Marion & guard Marcus Banks

Magic GM Otis Smith said the reports coming out of Boston that the Celtics asked about acquiring SG J.J. Redick are not true.

Upcoming for the Raptors
Friday in Chicago
Monday Sacramento at the ACC
Wednesday in New Jersey

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 59 - Once again, we're exposed off the bounce

2009-01-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

Raptors in Review
win over Wizards - (99-93)
then a easy win over Memphis (103-82)
killed by Celtics at home (88-94)
beat in overtime in Boston (109-115)

tonight... against bulls, third loss in a row (102-98)

Around the NBA
Orlando scores 139 points vs the Kings - 23 3-pointers

Do you know who has the best record in the NBA in the last 10 games?

Knicks center Eddy Curry sued by his former driver - sexual-harassment

The Amazing Spider-Man issue #583 - here’s the story: Peter Park is out taking photos, sees 2 Barack Obama and of course the real Obama is a baller, so Spiderman has to play them in basketball - the real Obama can play basketball, the double is no baller

Upcoming for the Raptors
friday against Indiana
Sunday Phoenix in town
Monday at Atlanta
next Wednesday in Detroit

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode .... Hit the Record Button

2009-01-07T19:24:00.000-08:00

Pretty Simple. We had a great show tonight, but it was not recorded. Totally my fault.

There was talk about beating the Washington Wizards tonight, crazy lost the other night to the Bucks and great wins over the Magic and the Rockets.

A lot of ranting about TSN2, the Canadian sports channel that shows some of the Raptors' games. Unfortunately, the network Steve and I have will not include this channel, so we miss all of the Raptors' games on TSN2. Please write to your congressman and get this fixed!

I wish I would have recorded, you really would have enjoyed it.

Oh, I should also apologize for the lack of shows in the past month. No good reason, just busy holiday season.

Next week, Episode 59 - and I will record it

glenn

Episode 58 - Suns Deal for Jason Richardson

2008-12-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

Raptors in Review

loss to the Utah 114-87
loss to the Portland 98-97
loss to the Cavaliers 114-94
tonight much needed win over against Pacers - 101-88

Around the NBA
Phoenix Suns send Raja Bell and Boris Diaw to the Charlotte Bobcats for Jason Richardson

New Orleans Hornets traded Mike James to the Washington Wizards for Antonio Daniels - a three-team trade - a future first-round draft pick from the Wizards to the Memphis Grizzlies - Memphis sent guard Javaris Crittenton to Washington and a conditional second-round draft pick to New Orleans and the Wizards also waived guard Dee Brown

in the NCAA - that pertains to me, personally
Michigan Wolverines beat then #4 Duke Blue Devils (dropping to #7) – oh, eat at Hungry Howies

Upcoming for the Raptors

Friday @ New Jersey
Sunday New Orleans at the ACC
Monday New Jersey at the ACC
Wednesday Dallas Mavs visit the ACC

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 57 - Jay Triano's team

2008-12-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

Games In Review
win over the Hawks 93-88
loss to the LA Lakers 112-99
Denver embarrasses the Raptors 132-93

Less than 24hours after the Denver game, the Raptors fire Sam Mitchell and make Jay Triano the first Canadian born NBA coach.

The Raptors were ranked last in the NBA in fast-break points heading into Wednesday's games, and Triano said he wants the team to play faster.

Around the League
T-Mac out 3 weeks - Houston may lose first place in their division to the Hornets

Portland win 5 straight - tied with Denver for first place in NorthWestern division

Knicks and Marbury - what the h*ll?

Upcoming
Triano's first game - Friday @ Utah
Sunday Portland at the ACC
quick trip to the Quicken Loan centre in Cleveland Tuesday
Wednesday (back to back) Indiana and TJ Ford visit the ACC

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 56 - Brewer's 1/2 Dozen

2008-11-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

Games In Review

3 wins in last 10!

Pistons win 93-100
Atlanta win 92-110
Raptors beat the Bobcats – 89-79
Boston wins 87-94
Philadelphia wins 96-106
Raptors beat the Heat 107-96
Orlando wins 103-90
Raptors beat the Heat 101-95
New Jersey wins 129-127 – OT
Bosh 42 points, Bargnani 29 points, Calderon 26 points
Carter 39 points, Delvin Harris 30 points
Lose Jermaine O'Neal
Celtics win 118-103
Just ugly!

Around the League

Oden is back playing for Trailblazers – 9 games 8.3 ppg and 6.8reb

Derrick Rose lighting the way for the Bulls

Eddie Jordan fired by Wizards - director of player development Ed Tapscott as interim coach

NYC dump Zach Randolph, Jawal Crawford, get Cuttino Mobley, Tim Thomas and Al Harrington

Shaq is twittering (http://twitter.com/THE_REAL_SHAQ)

Derrick Coleman spending cash in Detroit to improve his old neighbourhood - Coleman's Corner

Oh, and we said we'd give you this link to StepBrothers with Steve Nash and Baron Davis

Raptors next
Bobcats at ACC tonight
Hawks at ACC on Friday nite

then a crazy 3 game Western trip
in Los Angeles (Lakers) on Sunday
in Denver on Tuesday
in Utah next Friday

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 55 - New Contest - nite out with AI, Sheed and the TalkingBall Gang

2008-11-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

Raptors - 3-1

Week In Review

Raptors over the Warriors 112-108 OT
Raptors over the Bucks 91-87
Raptors lose to Pistons 100-93

Around the NBA
Allen Iverson traded to Detroit from Denver for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess - Billups doesn't complete physical so AI has to wait to suit up for the Pistons.

Richard Hamilton and the Pistons have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth about $34 million

Kevin Johnson wins bid for mayor of Sacramento

Boston 3-1
Hawks 2-0
Jazz 3-0
Lakers 3-0
Suns 3-1
Hornets 3-0
Rockets 3-1
Spurs 0-3

Up next for the Raptors
in Atlanta on Friday nite
in Charlotte on Sunday
in Boston on Monday
76ers at ACC next Wednesday

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 54 - Lou Williams South Gwinnett HS in Snellville, GA

2008-10-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Week in Review

- win over Philadelphia 95-84
Bosh continues his Double Doubles and has a great game... Brand complements a young athletic 76ers team..
Lou Williams went to South Gwinnett HS (Snellville, GA) - he was drafted in 2005, second round #45

Around the NBA

Greg Oden – is out for 2 to 4 weeks, with a mid lateral foot sprain
Lakers sign Andrew Bynum to 4 years for 58 million
Pistons sign Jason Maxiell to 4 years for 20 million

LA Lakers start the season with 2 blow-outs and are 2-0

Atlanta beats Orlando - 2 best teams in the SouthWest Division

Coming up for the Raptors

- Warriors tomorrow night at the ACC

- In Milwaukee Saturday nite

- Pistons at ACC next Wednesday

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 53 - NBA Preview Show 2008 (Pick up KG's mail!)

2008-10-19T13:25:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

Talking Ball - the video. Same as the blog below. http://talkingraptorball.blogspot.com

but with more visual pleasure.

Episode 53 - NBA Preview Show 2008 (Pick up KG's mail!)

2008-10-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Toronto Raptors are 0-0 – preseason 3-1

Week in Review

- win over Cleveland 104-84

- win over New York 113-111

- loss to Philadelphia 85-79

- win over CSKA Moscow 86-78

The Preview (in no particular order)

Atlantic

Celtics – Knicks – Nets – 76ers – Raptors

Can the Celtics repeat? Will there be a let down? Who gets KG's mail? Is he intense while doing dishes?

What is up with the new look Knicks, Nets and 76ers?

Central

Bulls – Cavs – Pistons – Pacers – Bucks

Can the Pistons hold off the Cavs to win another Central title?

SouthEast

Hawks – Heat - Magic – Bobcats – Wizards

Will the Heat continue to lose games?

Will the Magic kill this entire division?

What is up with the Wiz?

Northwest

Nuggets – Timberwolves – Thunder – Trail Blazers – Jazz

Who is the team to beat here?

Will Oden make an instant impact?

Pacific

Warriors – Clippers – Lakers – Suns – Kings

Can the Lakers make it back to the finals?

Will the Clippers win more or less with Baron?

Southwest

Mavs – Rockets – Grizzlies – Hornets - Spurs

?????

Anything else?

Coming up for the Raptors

- Thursday Minn at the ACC

- Saturday in LA Clippers

- Tuesday Denver at the ACC

First regular season game is in Philly Wednesday after next and on Halloween the Warriors make their own appearance at the ACC

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 52 - USA Basketball vs Canada and the World

2008-07-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Olympic Basketball

Canada Vs. USA

Free Agents

Jose Calderon agrees to more time with the Raptors

Toronto signs Roko Ukic to a three-year contract.

Carlos Delfino signed a three-year deal with BC Khimki, of the new Eurocup.

Baron Davis agrees to a five-year, $65 million deal with the Clippers

Elton Brand leaves the Clippers for a five-year deal with the Sixers

Corey Maggette leaves the Clippers for the Warriors, agreeing to a 5-year deal worth $50 million

Gilbert Arenas agreed to a huge six-year, $111 million deal with the Wizards

Beno Udrih agreed to a five-year, $33 million deal to remain with the Kings.

Josh Childress bolting the Hawks for Greece

Sacramento signs Bobby Brown (hee hee... it's his prerogative)

New York signs Chris Duhon.

New Orleans signs Chris Paul to a contract extension.

Washington signs Dee Brown to offer sheet.

Orlando signs Mickael Pietrus.

Phoenix signs Matt Barnes.

Denver signs Chris Andersen.

Trades

Indiana obtains T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston and the rights to Roy Hibbert from Toronto in exchange for Jermaine O'Neal and the rights to Nathan Jawai.

L.A. Clippers acquire Marcus Camby from Denver. In return, Denver will have the option to exchange second round picks with the Clippers in 2010.

Thanks for listening!

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Episode 51 - NBA Draft Choices 2008

2008-07-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

NBA Draft

Quickly
Chicago - Rose
Miami - Beasley
Minnesota - OJ Mayo - then trade him, Walker and Jarvicc to Memphis for Mike Miller, Kevin Love and Brian Cardinal
Seattle - Westbrook
Memphis - Kevin Love (see Minnesota, above)
NYC - Danillo Gallinari
LA Clippers - Eric Gordon
Milwaukee - Joe Alexander (as well, trade Yi and Bobby Simmons to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson)
Charlotte - D.J. Augustin
NJ - Brook Lopez
Indiana - Jerryd Bayless and then shipped him to Portland

Raptors make the TJ Ford trade (along with Rasho, and the 17th pick, Roy Hibbert) for Jermaine O'Neal

Sign Jose Calderon

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 50 - Sasha Vujacic - the Machine

2008-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

NBA Finals

Boston Celtics take the 2008 NBA Championship

NBA Draft

Chicago Bulls with the #1 pick select......

well, the consensus is Derrick Rose
Miami Heat will more than likely take Michael Beasley
Minnesota Timberwolves take OJ Mayo

with the 17th pick (if they keep it) the Raptors take????? Robin Lopez of Stanford? Nicolas Batum of France (although there are now some health concerns - after his workout with Toronto)??? Brandon Rush of Kansas?

Check out this video from our friends over at www.lakers-fan.com. It's of Sasha Vujacic and his ability to beat the Celtics. But they have other videos from earlier rounds.

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 49 - Celtics 2 - Lakers 0

2008-06-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

NBA Finals

Boston Celtics hold serve and have a 2 game advantage over the LA Lakers

Phoenix Suns hire Terry Porter to coach.

Chicago Bulls hire Vinny Del Negro to coach.

As per the recording, here is where you can find the Chris Bosh interviews before Game 1, for Leno

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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EPISODE 48 - Celtics - Lakers - your 2008 NBA Finals

2008-06-03T05:37:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

Talking Ball - the video. Same as the blog below. http://talkingraptorball.blogspot.com

but with more viewing pleasure.

EPISODE 48 - Celtics - Lakers - your 2008 NBA Finals

2008-06-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

NBA Finals

Boston Celtics versus Los Angeles Lakers
- Lakers seem to win all of the match-ups and have a deeper bench
- Celtics have a better defense, but can it defend Kobe?
- Will Boston's experiment with KG pay-off in a ring?

Chicago Bulls to interview Doug Collins.
Phoenix Suns to interview Terry Porter.

Raptors draft at #17.

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 47 - Manu Ginobili best bald man in the league, ever

2008-05-28T09:11:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

Episode 47 - Manu Ginobili best bald man in the league, ever

2008-05-26T19:16:00.001-07:00

NBA Play-offs - Conference Finals

Boston Celtics versus Detroit Pistons - Celtics winning the series 2-1
- Detroit needs to be consistent, will Billups' injury be their down fall?
- Where has Ray Allen been?

LA Lakers versus San Antonio Spurs
- LA has a deeper team
- San Antonio has been here before

Chicago Bulls will have the number 1 pick this June. Who do they go with Beasley or Rose?

How has Jokium Noah not been through this before?

Thanks for listening!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 46 - Larry Bird's Scotch & Sirloin - Video

2008-05-13T06:42:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

This is the video feed of the podcast below.

If you are watching on blip.tv, you can find the blog here - http://talkingraptorball.blogspot.com/

Episode 46 - Larry Bird's Scotch & Sirloin

2008-05-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

NBA Play-offs

- Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavs - the newest version of the Jordan Rules - LeBron can't move without having 4 Celtics on his back
- Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic - surprisingly Chauncey Billups is still playing in this series, after doing the splits in the key - ugly

- LA Lakers and the Utah Jazz - an interesting series that shifts with the home team
- New Orleans and the San Antonio Spurs - Chris Paul is wickedly good

Coaching around the NBA

- Mike D'Antoni will be the New York Knicks new coach
- Chuck Swirsky is leaving the Toronto Raptors broadcast team and he will take over the Chicago Bulls' radio duties

Most UnderValued Player

- LeBron? - Sports Illustrated dot com had an article about this subject. You can read it here.

OH, and click for here The Top 25 Hilarious Bad Athlete Commercials

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Episode 45 - Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-06T20:05:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

Toronto Raptors bounced from the Play-offs by the Orlando Magic

Week in Review

- Raptors are only able to win 1 game of their seven game series against the Magic. The Magic exposed the Raptors at the weakest areas, rebounding and offensive guards. Toronto now has an off-season of decisions, around keeping their coach, what to do with the 2 point guards, how to improve their rebounding and focus on better team defense.

Other Play-off Match-Ups

- Boston Celtics needed all 7 games to defeat the Atlanta Hawks. After this series the Celtics don't seem as invincible as their were during the regular season, and the Hawks look good for next year with a young team surrounding some good veterans.
- Detroit Pistons defeat the Philadelphia 76ers and take the first 2 games against Orlando in the second round
- Cleveland Cavs and the Washington Wizards had a tough series, full of fouls and ridiculous comments in the press, Cavs win and advance to meet the Celtics

- LA Lakers sweep the Denver Nuggets
- New Orleans move on, past the Dallas Mavs and win the first 2 games against the Spurs.
- San Antonio Spurs defeat the Phoenix Suns - is this it for the Suns, is it time to rebuild?
- Utah Jazz take the series against the Houston Rockets

Coaching around the NBA

- Larry Brown to coach the Bobcats
- Avery Johnson fired from the Mavs, is Rick Carlisle the replacement?
- Mike D'Antoni is allowed by the Suns to talk to other teams about their openings, does that mean he is no longer coaching the Suns?

Most Valuable Player

- Kobe

Episode 45 - Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Toronto Raptors bounced from the Play-offs by the Orlando Magic

At the request of you, the fan, we have recorded another video of this episode of Talking Ball. When it's rendered, we'll post it to the blog, below.

Week in Review

- Raptors are only able to win 1 game of their seven game series against the Magic. The Magic exposed the Raptors at the weakest areas, rebounding and offensive guards. Toronto now has an off-season of decisions, around keeping their coach, what to do with the 2 point guards, how to improve their rebounding and focus on better team defense.

Other Play-off Match-Ups

- Boston Celtics needed all 7 games to defeat the Atlanta Hawks. After this series the Celtics don't seem as invincible as their were during the regular season, and the Hawks look good for next year with a young team surrounding some good veterans.
- Detroit Pistons defeat the Philadelphia 76ers and take the first 2 games against Orlando in the second round
- Cleveland Cavs and the Washington Wizards had a tough series, full of fouls and ridiculous comments in the press, Cavs win and advance to meet the Celtics

- LA Lakers sweep the Denver Nuggets
- New Orleans move on, past the Dallas Mavs and win the first 2 games against the Spurs.
- San Antonio Spurs defeat the Phoenix Suns - is this it for the Suns, is it time to rebuild?
- Utah Jazz take the series against the Houston Rockets

Coaching around the NBA

- Larry Brown to coach the Bobcats
- Avery Johnson fired from the Mavs, is Rick Carlisle the replacement?
- Mike D'Antoni is allowed by the Suns to talk to other teams about their openings, does that mean he is no longer coaching the Suns?

Most Valuable Player

- Kobe

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Episode 44 - Nene's Soccer Pitch

2008-04-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Toronto Raptors are down 1 game to the Orlando Magic

At the request of you, the fan, we have added a video of this episode of Talking Ball. If this experiment works, then we'll attempt to record and post more video. Maybe Scooper will turn his camera on and record as well.

Week in Review

- Raptors lose Game 1 of their seven game series against the Magic. The first quarter is killer for the Magic, who couldn't miss a shot. 43 points were scored by Orlando and the Raptors played catch up the rest of the night

Other Play-off Match-Ups

- LA Lakers are too much for the Denver Nuggets, Pau Gasol and Kobe are quite the 2some.
- New Orleans starts slow (Dallas Mavs may have just run out of gas), but has a great 2nd half, lead by Chris Paul
- San Antonio Spurs need 2 overtimes to beat the Phoenix Suns - Tim Duncan has 40 points, including a 3 in the first overtime - to send it to a second overtime
- Utah Jazz (Scooper's dark horse) have a few good men for Yao-less Houston Rockets - Deron Williams runs the pick'n roll quite well with Carlos Boozer

- Boston Celtics against the Atlanta Hawks, looked like a kitten with a ball of string
- Detroit Pistons need to turn it back on, as they lose the first game to the Philadelphia 76ers
- Orlando Magic looked to show everyone why they are the 3rd seed, as the Toronto Raptors claimed (and so did we) that this was the match-up they wanted
- Cleveland Cavs take first 2 games against the Washington Wizards, as the Wiz struggle to find a way to get Gilbert Arenas back into their offense

Coming up for the Raptors

- Tuesday in Orlando for Game 2 of their series
- Thursday back in Toronto for Game 3
- Saturday in Toronto for Game 4 (we'll be at this game)

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Click To Play

Episode 43 - David, call us

2008-04-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Toronto Raptors are 41-40

Week(s) in Review

- tonight the Raptors beat the lowly Miami Heat - and with the crazy win for the Cavs over the 76ers, the Raptors have sown up the 6 seed and a meeting with the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs

Around the League

who wins awards - Kobe, KD, Manu, Byron

what happens in round 1? - Boston, Detroit, Orlando & Cleveland - LA, New Orleans, Phoenix & Utah

Coming up for the Raptors

- Wednesday in Chicago

THEN IT'S THE PLAY-OFFS!!!!!!

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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2 games over 500?

2008-04-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

We received this email today....

If the Raptors are 38-36, they are not 2 games over .500 as your and your cohorts postulate on the latest podcast. Anyone with even the most rudimentary math skills would know that 38 wins and 36 losses total to 74 games played, of which a .500 record would be 37 wins, making the Raps exactly 1 game over .500.

If, in the future, you find yourselves needing some math help (lets say, counting your change at Tim Horton's), let me know. My 5 year old will be glad to offer you some support.

Love the show!
gs

Thought we would share it with you.

Episode 42 - the trifecta

2008-03-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

Toronto Raptors are 38-36

Week in Review

- win over Detroit 89-82

- win over New York 103-95

- loss to New Orleans 118-111

- win over Charlotte 104-100

Around the League

Linton Johnson signs a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors - Darrick Martin is waived

three-way tie for seventh place in the wild Western Conference – Dallas, Denver & G-state

NCAA tournament – 4 number 1s in the final 4

what else did we talk about?

Coming up for the Raptors

- Wednesday in Atlanta (33-40)
- Friday Charlotte (28-46)
- Saturday in New Jersey (31-43)

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Episode 41 – Street Ball with Rick Barry & Dr. J.

2008-03-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

Toronto Raptors are 35-35

Week in Review

- win over Miami 96-54

- loss to Cleveland 90-83

- loss to Denver 109-100

Around the League

Donnie Walsh out with the Indiana Pacers

Larry Harris no longer with Milwaukee Bucks

Dirk Nowitzki is out for a couple of weeks (high-ankle sprain and a mildly sprained knee)

Boston 3peats the Texas trio

NCAA tournament – upsets, winners and losers

Coming up for the Raptors

- Wednesday Detroit (49-20)
- Friday New York (19-50)
- Sunday New Orleans (47-21)
- Monday in Charlotte (25-44)

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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twitter

2008-03-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, just quick. If you use twitter.com, check out our feed - twitter.com/talkingball

As always, our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Episode 40 - you obviously have an internet connection

2008-03-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

Go to www.benchsports.com. Click the "Sign up now" button. Quickly fill out the required fields. After clicking the submit button, click the button called "Join Existing League" The page will now ask you for the League ID - for our pool enter 535 and the League Password is talking.ball

If you have signed up, then make your picks now, but do it before the games start on Thursday March 20th at noon.

Toronto Raptors are 34-28

Week in Review

- loss to LA Lakers 117-108

- loss to Golden State 117 -106

- loss to Denver 137-105

- loss to Sacramento 106 -100

- loss to Utah 96-79

Around the League

Houston wins over Lakers and now have a 22 game win streak and 1st in West

Boston begins a Texas trio (SA, Houston and Dallas)

Who is the Coach of the Year? Rick Adelman , Phil Jackson, Byron Scott, Doc Rivers, Jerry Sloan

Coming up for the Raptors

- Wednesday Miami (11-54)
- Friday in Cleveland (38-29)
- Sunday Denver in town (40-26)

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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NCAA Men's Basketball Bracket 2008

2008-03-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

NCAA Time!

Go to www.benchsports.com. Click the "Sign up now" button. Quickly fill out the required fields. After clicking the submit button, click the button called "Join Existing League" The page will now ask you for the League ID - for our pool enter 535 and the League Password is talking.ball

Here are the games

East
#1 Carolina vs #16 ("play in" game winner Coppin St. or Mount St. Mary's)
#2 Tennessee vs #15 American
#3 Louisville vs #14 Boise St.
#4 Washington St. vs #13 Winthrop
#5 Notre Dame vs #12 George Mason
#6 Oklahoma vs # 11 St. Joseph's
#7 Butler vs #10 South Alabama
#8 Indiana vs #9 Arkansas

MidWest
#1 Kansas vs #16 Portland St.
#2 Georgetown vs #15 MD Baltimore Cty.
#3 Wisconsin vs #14 CSU Fullerton
#4 Vanderbilt vs #13 Siena
#5 Clemson vs #12 Villanova
#6 USC vs # 11 Kansas St.
#7 Gonzaga vs #10 Davidson
#8 UNLV vs #9 Kent St.

South
#1 Memphis vs #16 TX Arlington
#2 Texas vs #15 Austin Peay
#3 Stanford vs #14 Cornell
#4 Pittsburgh vs #13 Oral Roberts
#5 Michigan St. vs #12 Temple
#6 Marquette vs # 11 Kentucky
#7 Miami (Fl) vs #10 St. Mary's
#8 Mississippi St. vs #9 Oregon

West
#1 UCLA vs #16 Miss. Valley St.
#2 Duke vs #15 Belmont
#3 Xavier vs #14 Georgia
#4 Connecticut vs #13 San Diego
#5 Drake vs #12 West. Kentucky
#6 Purdue vs # 11 Baylor
#7 West Virginia vs #10 Arizona
#8 BYU vs #9 Texas A&M

Oh, for those that don't know about the "play in" game. There are technically 65 teams. On Tuesday, Coppin St. will play Mount St. Mary's for the honour to play Carolina.

So pick the winners and let's see who can guess better!

For some Talking Ball, check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. New show tomorrow nite. Enjoy!

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Episode 39 - Kenyon Martin - he's from Sagniaw Michigan

2008-03-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

---------------------------------

Our NCAA Tournament Challenge

Go to www.benchsports.com. Click the "Sign up now" button. Quickly fill out the required fields. After clicking the submit button, click the button called "Join Existing League" The page will now ask you for the League ID - for our pool enter 535 and the League Password is talking.ball

After March 16th, you can make your pics, but do it before the games start on Thursday March 20th at noon.

Toronto Raptors are 34-28

Week in Review

- loss to Orlando 102-87

- win over Miami 108-83

- loss to Washington 110-106 (overtime)

- win over Seattle 114-106

Coming up for the Raptors - ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!

- Tuesday in LA against the Lakers (44-19)

- Wednesday in Golden State (39-23)

- Friday in Denver (37-25)

- Sunday in Sacramento (28-35)

Next Monday in Utah and then home against Miami

Not much happen around the NBA.... bring on the playoffs

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Twittering

2008-03-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

If anyone has an account, then you can follow us at twitter.com/talkingball

we'll drop random thoughts and if anyone's interested have intellectual conversations....

oh, and the Raptors lost to the Orlando Magic last night - 102-87 (no, Chris Bosh didn't play).

Raptors are Miami next and need to beat a very bad Heat team.

Oh, remember to head over to www.benchsports.com
Click the "Sign up now" button. Quickly fill out the required fields.
After clicking the submit button, click the button called "Join Existing League"
The page will now ask you for the League ID - for our pool enter 535 and the League Password is talking.ball

Episode 38 - Atlanta, a good basketball town

2008-03-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

Toronto Raptors are 32-26

Week in Review

- win over Indiana 102-98

- win over Minnesota 107-85

- loss to Indiana 122-111

- loss to Charlotte 110-98

Chris Bosh leaves during the second Indiana game with a swollen knee - expected to miss a week
Sam Cassell expected to quickly sign a contract with the Boston Celtics

How does Miami and Atlanta finish the 50 seconds of the game from last month, the one where the Atlanta stats guys indicated that Shaq fouled out, when he didn't. The NBA wants the teams to replay the last 50 seconds, but both teams have made trades, include the one of Shaq to the Suns.... what's the point?

Coming up for the Raptors

- Tuesday in Orlando (38-23)
- Wednesday in Miami (11-46)
- Friday Washington is at the ACC (29-30)
- Sunday Seattle in town (16-43)

As mentioned in the last blog entry, we want to know which of our listeners can best predict the winners of this year's NCAA tournament.

Head over to www.benchsports.com
Click the "Sign up now" button. Quickly fill out the required fields.
After clicking the submit button, click the button called "Join Existing League"
The page will now ask you for the League ID - for our pool enter 535 and the League Password is talking.ball

Now you just need to enter a team name for your team/pool/guesses, your first name or nickname will work well.

On March 16th, the teams will be entered into the website and we'll all be able to make our predictions. Remember you need to predict all of the games for every round and that includes the eventually winner of the tournament. You'll need to guess the total score of the game (this will be our tie breaker), so if you think the final games ends with a score of 12-10, then enter 22 into the final score.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Early Start to the NCAA March Madness

2008-02-27T17:06:00.000-08:00

Here's the deal.

Sunday March 16th, the NCAA Selection Committee announces the teams or schools that will make up the 64 team tournament (okay there are 65 teams and a "play-in" game, but we won't get into that). The committee will place 16 teams into 4 regions, with each team receiving a seed from 1 (the best team) to 16 (the worst team in the region).

In the first round, the number 1 team plays the 16th team, 2 plays 15, etc...

The winning teams move on to the next round and the losing team goes home, and so on and so on, until 1 team remains.

The structure of the tournament lends itself to people making predictions as to who will win each game and who will win the entire tournament.

So, we want to know which of our listeners can best predict the winners of this year's tournament. It will just be a friendly competition, with full bragging rights.

Head over to www.benchsports.com
Click the "Sign up now" button. Quickly fill out the required fields.
After clicking the submit button, click the button called "Join Existing League"
The page will now ask you for the League ID - for our pool enter 535 and the League Password is talking.ball

Now you just need to enter a team name for your team/pool/guesses, your first name or nickname will work well.

On March 16th, the teams will be entered into the website and we'll all be able to make our predictions. Remember you need to predict all of the games for every round and that includes the eventually winner of the tournament. You'll need to guess the total score of the game (this will be our tie breaker), so if you think the final games ends with a score of 12-10, then enter 22 into the final score.

We will assign points to each round, so for every game you get correct you'll get points and the points will increase for each round.

Have fun with it, if you have questions, email us at talking.ball@gmail.com and we'll try to answer any inquires.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show.

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Episode 37 – Soft Schedule

2008-02-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

Toronto Raptors are 31-24

Week in Review

- win over Orlando 127-110

- loss to New York 103-99

- win over New York 115-92

- win over Indiana 102-98

Primoz Brezec to Raptors for Juan Dixon

Cavs get Ben Wallace, Wally Szcerbiak, Joe Smith and Delonte West – give up Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown (to Bulls), Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall (to Seattle)

Hornets get Mike James and Bonzi Wells – Bobby Jackson and Adam Haluska to Houston

Kurt Thomas to Spurs for Brent Barry (since bought out) and Francisco Elson

No Scooper tonight - he's off skiing ..... talk to you next week.

Coming up for the Raptors

- Wednesday Minnesota visits ACC (11-43)
- Friday Indiana at the ACC (22-35)
- Sunday in Charlotte (19-37)

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Episode 36 - Director's cut (or uncut)

2008-02-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

Toronto Raptors are 28-23

Week in Review

- win over New Jersey 109-91

East beats West in All Star game – 134-128 – James wins MVP

Friday – Sophomores beat Rookies – Daniel Gibson with MVP

Saturday - Spurs win Shooting Stars
- Deron Williams takes the Skills Comp
- Jason Kapono repeats as 3 point champ
- Dwight Howard is this year's dunk contest winner

Mike Bibby on the way to Atlanta for Anthony Johnson, Sheldon Williams, Tyronn Lue & Lorenzen Wright & 2008 second rounder.

Sonics to move to Oklahoma City at the end of this year or 2010 (lease expires)

Kidd still in limbo between the Nets and Mavs

Anything else? YES, but part of the recording is lost..... ah, it was just Scooper yammering on, anyway... talk to you next week.

Hey, we're half way through the season, let us know your favourite Raptor play or game of the first half. Or give us a story.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Coming up for the Raptors

- Wednesday Orlando (33-21) at the ACC

- Friday visit to NY Knicks (15-37) Madison Square

- Sunday 2nd game of back to back against NY Knicks (15-37)

Episode 35 - Win, Loss, Win, Loss, what comes next?

2008-02-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

Toronto Raptors are 27-23

Week in Review

- win over Miami 114-82
- loss to LA Clipper 102- 98
- win over Minnesota 105-82
- loss to San Antonio 93-88

Miami trades Shaq to the Suns for Shawn Marion

Coming up for the Raptors

- Wednesday NJ Nets (22-29) in town

Then All Star break

Easiest way to find this week's show? Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

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Shaq for Marion

2008-02-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

Raptors are (26-21)

The biggest trade to happen in 2008 and the one with the most weight since the Garnett trade, doesn’t seem to make much sense for one of the teams.

Yes, last night the Miami Heat unloaded Shaq O’Neil’s enormous contract on the Phoenix Suns. And what did the Suns have to give up to get a 36 year old center, that has 2 years and 20 million per year left on his contract. They sent Shawn Marion to Miami, along with Marcus Banks to equal out the current salaries.

On paper this trade works. The salaries match and the Suns have been looking to move Marion, as he has requested a trade before the season started. But, that’s where the trade stops making sense. Marion has played well for the Suns, yes, his points per game are down, but so are his minutes. His field goal percentage (.526) has been consistent for the past 3 years , as are his rebounds. Shaq, on the other hand is averaging a career low 14 points per game, 10 points lower than the career average (although his percentage hasn’t changed). Rebounds… down.

The Miami Heat have changed the team for the better. They must have a game plan, if they hope to resign Dwayne Wade. With Marion as his new side-kick, Wade and the Heat are open to more of a …. Phoenix Suns running game?

As for the Suns, when Shaq is health, he will start at center and Amare Stoudemire will move to his preferred power forward position. Grant Hill will remain at the other forward spot and Steve Nash and Raja Bell will will be the guards. As mentioned, the Suns like to run, but now only 4 of the five will (where in the past the first 7 guys would run). Shaq will be following the play. For those that watch Shaq, he will not cross half before the Suns have put up 2 shots. I’m not sure how they make this work. Are they planning to have 2 attacks, one on the run and if that doesn’t work, wait for Shaq to walk up the floor?

The Miami Heat may add to their win total as a result of this trade, but they will not be making a push for the play-offs, even in the East. But they made this trade for the future, one less year on the contract and a younger healthier, more productive player.

Good job, Pat Riley.

Suns, please prove me wrong.

Episode 34 - The Tin Men (Are You Ready for Maggette?)

2008-02-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Toronto Raptors are 25-21

Week in Review

- loss to Washington 108-104
- win over Washington 122-83
- loss to LA Lakers – 121-101

Lakers deal Kwame Browne, Javaris Critlenton, 2 first round draft picks (2008 & 2010) and get Pau Gasol

Memphis also traded Stromile Swift to New Jersey for Jason Colins and cash

Last week, Memphis bought out Damon Stoudamire, who recently signed with San Antonio.

In College news, Bob Knight has resigned from Texas Tech, leaving his coaching career with 902 wins.

Coming up for the Raptors

- Tonight in Miami (9-36) - a little foreshadowing, as the Raptors win 114-82
- Friday LA Clippers (14-30)

Games Next week Minnesota, San Antonio and NJ.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. A great tool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy! - Oh, not sure why it sounds like we are sitting in a steal drum, but that's what happens when you let the sound engineer have the night off.... more promises of a better show next time will be posted here later.....

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

EPISODE 33 - couple of Stevie Points

2008-01-29T06:12:00.000-08:00

Toronto Raptors are 24-19

Week in Review
win over Boston 114-112
win over Milwaukee 106-75

Around the NBA
Damon Stoudamire – buyout today!– Raptors looking to pick him up?
Chris Weber – talking to Golden State?
The Bird-man (Chris Andersen) looking to be reinstated
J-Kidd looking to be traded from NJ?
Mark Cuban hits it right on the head. In his blog he talks about this being an amazing year to be a basketball fan. Any of the top 10 Western teams has a shot at moving up the rankings, by putting together a little run. All those teams are good this year and very competitive. Bring on the playoffs!!!!

Looking Ahead
Tuesday in Washington (23-19) – lost to Milwaukee Sunday
Wednesday Washington (23-19) in town
Friday Lakers (27-15) in town – tough week – loss to Cleveland Sunday, Knicks Tuesday and Detroit Thursday, before they head to Toronto
2 Games Next week Miami and Clippers

Local recording failed.... apparently you have to click the start button... I mean, who knew????

Until next week.... If you want to hear live and participate in chats, come by on any Monday night, and click the Talkshoe Web button on our page. It's pretty slick.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. A great tool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

UPDATE: New Recordings posting again like normal!

2008-01-24T06:17:00.000-08:00

It would appear that the podcasts have been posted. We have replaced the talkshoe recording with the better quality local recording. So Enjoy!

This week's show is posted here. Or check out the sidebar player.

Our page on Talkshoe.com is Talking Ball

EPISODE 32 - what, are they smoking pot?

2008-01-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

Toronto Raptors are 22-19

Week in Review
loss to Detroit 103-89
win over Sacramento 116-91
win over Atlanta 89-78 - Anthony Johnson kicked out with a T2 on Calderon
loss to Philadelphia 99-95

Mail Bag! - did we actual answer the question?

Around the NBA
misc stuff around player moves
Wizards playing well
Some Golden State trinkets and other news

Looking Ahead
Wednesday in Boston (33-6) – 3 game winning streak
Friday Bucks (16-24) in town – tough week NO and PHO in a back to back and then IND on Thursday, before they head to Toronto

Next week is a home and home against the Wiz

We recorded locally, so I hope the sound quality is more to your liking.

Talkshoe has switched to the web-based system for listening and joining the podcasts. If you want to hear live and participate in chats, come by on any Monday night, and click the Talkshoe Web button on our page.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. A great tool. This week's show is posted here.

Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com is Talking Ball

EPISODE 31 - Chris Bosh, we need your PC (or Mac) skillz! Call us!

2008-01-15T05:58:00.000-08:00

Toronto Raptors are 20-17

Week in Review
win over Philadelphia 109-96
win in NYC 99-90
double overtime win over Portland 116-109 - bit of a discussion on Moon's so called foul at the end of regulation

Around the NBA
Detroit only scores 65 points against NYC
Wizards get rare win over Celtics, who also lost to Charlotte this week - not to mention a bit of play-by-play of the Wiz's second consecutive defeat of the Celtics
Lakers lose Bynum for 8 weeks (knee injury on Sunday versus Memphis)
Heat and Hawks to replay final minute of previous game, as statisticians had marked Shaq has having 6 fouls, when he only had 5

Looking Ahead
Tuesday in Detroit (28-10) – Detroit coming off ugly loss to NYC
Wednesday Kings (15 – 21) visit the ACC – win over Dallas tonight
Friday Hawks (16-17) in town – play Denver and Milwaukee back to back
Saturday in Philadelphia (14-23) YIKES!!!!! San Antonio (76ers lose this game), Houston and Boston this week, two back to backs

If you listen to the recording... please be patient... skype once again dropped us. This time 30 seconds into the show (2 minute lag or dead air before we get back) and then again, about 13 or 15 minutes into the show. But we do get back on and finish the show...

We promise to start recording locally and stop this nonsense (didn't we say that last week).

Until next week.... - oh, one last thing.... Talkshoe has produced a web-based system for listening and joining the podcasts. If you want to hear live and participate in chats, come by on any Monday night, and click the Talkshoe Web button on our page. It's pretty slick.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. A great tool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

EPISODE 30 - skype bytes and drops

2008-01-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

Raptors are 17-17

- Wednesday versus Philadelphia (14-20) lost 3 in a row and play a back to back against Milwaukee on Tuesday

- Friday in NYC (8-24) lost 7 in a row have a bunch of games Chicago and Houston back to back this week

- Sunday versus Portland (21-13) won 3 in a row and are 9-1 in their last ten – only play golden state this week

Going Back

Loss to Cleveland on Sunday – Lebron goes off with 24 in the 4th (39 in total)
Loss on Friday to Detroit – Hamilton and Wallace good games

Celtics versus the Pistons couple of Tommy points to Glen Davis for a good game

.....

and that is where the tape ends.... not sure why, wait yes I do... because skype dropped everyone!!!!

We promise to start recording locally and stop this nonsense.

Until next week....

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Promotional Video

2008-01-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

Why would Chris agree to making this video? Chris W Bosh - Send Me To New Orleans All Star Game 2008

Even with the video, he's going to have a tough time getting more votes than LeBron and KG.

I'm positive he will reach the Big Easy, but as a reserve.

Video is funny though.

Did anyone know that Chris had a blog? Check his site Chris-Bosh.com

Hey, sorry we haven't produced a new show, look for a new one on Monday night, Jan 7th.

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show.

EPISODE29 - treated at a hospital for dog bites

2007-12-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

Raptors are 14-11

Raptors in Review
Win over Atlanta 100-88
Win over Dallas 92-76
Win over Indiana 104-93 (which caps a 4 game win streak)
Loss to Boston 90-77

Around the League
Detroit trades center Nazr Mohammed to Charlotte for center Primoz Brezec and forward Walter Hermann.
Shelden Williams carjacked in Atlanta, before a game
Ruben Patterson released by the Clippers
Kobe announces that he is happy, and then injured he scores 32 on the clips

Coming up for the Raptors
a long 2 weeks of travel!
- Tuesday in Los Angeles to play the Clippers
- Wednesday in Portland (1st back to back of the week)
- Friday in Seattle
- Saturday in Phoneix (2nd back to back of the week and 4th game in 5 nights!)

then 5 days off.

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Enjoy.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

EPISODE28 - Brian Scalabrine @ USC

2007-12-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

Raptors are 11-10

Raptors in Review
Lost to Suns 123-136
Lost to Celtics 84-112
Win over Rockets – 93-80

Around the League
Brian Scalabrine is a pleasant interview (not with us and not on this show....)
Why do we (and everyone else) continue to talk about Anderson Varejao?
Jamaal Tinsley has an amazing night on the town, we will explain.

Coming up for the raptors
- Tuesday in Atlanta
- Wednesday Dallas drop in
- Friday in Indiana
- Sunday rematch with Celtics

Then a huge west coast swing – don't play at the ACC until Jan 4th

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Enjoy.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Monday December 3, 2007

2007-12-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

Raptors are 10-8

Win over the Grizzlies 103-91
Win over the Cavs 91-82
Loss to Wizards 101-97
Win over Bobcats 98-79

Coming up for the raptors

- Wednesday Suns drop in
- Friday rematch with Celtics in Boston
- Sunday at home against the Rockets

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Enjoy.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Vs. Memphis

2007-11-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

I was able to attend this game on November 28. The Raptors won easily, but at the cost of losing Bosh to a groin pull. I brought my camera, but didn't get any clear action shots. Here are a few of the ACC, or components of it.

Drop in live to Talking BasketBall this Monday night.

Glenn

Oh, here are a couple more pictures. There posted on flickr.

centre court

4Korners

Monday November 26, 2007

2007-11-27T18:33:00.000-08:00

Raptors are 7-7

Loss to the Cavs 111-108 - Bosh had a monster game with 41, but LeBron has another triple double.
Win over the Bulls 93-78

Coming up for the raptors

- Wednesday at home Memphis (PG tandem - Kyle Lowry & Mike Conley Jr.)
currently 4-9 have a back to back with NJ on Tuesday before coming to TO
- Friday at home Cleveland
currently 8-6 – couple of tough games this week against Celtics & Pistons
- Saturday in Washington
currently 6-7 – crazy week traveling to Dallas, SA, and Phoenix

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Enjoy.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

November 22, 2007

2007-11-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

Raptors are 6-6

Loss to the Jazz - 88-92
Win over the Pacers - 110-101
Loss to Warriors - 100-106
Loss to Mavs - 99-105
Win over Grizz - 95-89

Email us about the best young point guard tandem in the NBA. We'll forward the good responses to Bill Simmons. We're at talking.ball@gmail.com

What will happen to the Wizards, with Gilbert out for 3 months? Jamison & Butler can't continue to go off for every game.

More Bulls talk. Why are they so bad?

Chris Paul is sick!

Upcoming Games
Cleveland – Saturday
Chicago - Sunday

Oh, no Steve in Toronto tonight. He had a prior engagement.

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Enjoy.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

zune://subscribe/?Talking%20Ball=http://recordings.talkshoe.com/rss21646.xml

November 12, 2007

2007-11-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

Raptors are 4-3

Loss against Milwaukee - 112-85
Desmond Mason has a crazy game 10 for 10 and 21 points and team shoots 60%

Loss against Orlando – 105-96 loss
Raptors shoot 38%
Turkoglu and Lewis 24 points each, Magic out rebound the Raptors

Win over 76ers – 105-103
bosh with 24 points
Iguodala with 26 points and Louis Williams with 21?

Win over Bulls 101-71
36 assists for Raptors
only Bulls starter in double figures is Gordon with 11 – Nocioni comes off the bench for 20

Jamario Moon, stepping up big time.

Warriers, Timberwolves and SuperSonics still winless – 0-5, 0-5, 0-7, respectively

How good is the Southwest – Dallas is 4-2 and 4th in their division.

Bulls 1-5 record – heading out west for 4 games against the Suns, the Clippers, the Lakers and the Nuggets!

Upcoming Games
Utah – Wednesday
Indiana – Friday
Warriors - Sunday

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Enjoy.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool. This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Friday November 9, 2007

2007-11-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

A must win game to night in Philadelphia, if the Raptors want to right this ship.

The season is still very fresh and there is a lot of basketball to be played, but tonight’s game is against a division rival that the Raptors have already beaten. The Raptors have gone on a small losing streak and this is a great opportunity to put an end to it.

The 76ers have one main go to guy in Andre Iguodala (who dropped 23 on the Raptors opening night), so limited his touches will be key for Parker and Kapono. The Raptors have to ensure that no one else has a good game, for example Kyle Korver (he was hot on opening night with 20 points on 7-12 shooting).

Rebounding is another area of concern from the last game against the 76ers. Reggie Evans grabbed 15 boards and keeping him off the glass will fall on Bosh and Bargnani. Rebounding is an area that was missing in the last game, against the Magic, where Turkoglu and Bogans had stellar nights of 15 and 11, respectively.

Rounding out this week’s hectic schedule of 4 games in 5 nights is the first meeting this season against the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls snapped their 4 game losing streak and beat Detroit. The Bulls are projected to be one of the strongest Eastern Conference teams this season, so this game will not be an easy one for Toronto. Not to dwell on rebounding, but that was a key to the Bulls win over the Pistons, where the Bulls had 15 offensive rebounds. Stopping this team on the glass may prove difficult, as 3 of their starters are 6-9 and they have taller players on the bench (Joe Smith 6-10 and Joakim Noah 6-11 – who had 5 of the offensive rebounds).

On offense, the Raptors need to get back to their game. They need ball movement and players to hit the open shot. This is a team built around 2 quick point guards, and their ability to break-down the defender and get to the hoop and when that is stopped, kick the ball back out. Rotate the ball to an open man and bury the jumper. Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani need to aggressively attack the basket and be aware of the double teams. All standard clichés, but true.

Enjoy the games and join us on Monday night on Talking Ball.

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

glenn

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show.

Have a question or comment, email us at talking.ball@gmail.com

2007-11-08T10:36:00.001-08:00

November 5, 2007

2007-11-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

Week 1

Raptors are 2-1

Opening Night against 76ers - 106-97 win
bargnani with 20 - bosh with 16 - ford with 12 assists

Friday against the Nets - 106 - 69 win
bargnani with 21 - bosh with 15 - key was Calderon and Dixon play in the second quarter
Jefferson had 27, but no one else in double

Sunday overtime lost to Celtics - 98 - 95
ford with 32 points - bosh with 19 points
KG 10 points in overtime - Ray Allan's 3 to win it with 2.something seconds left - he finished with 33 points

ESPN's power ranks now have them at 7 from 14 last week.

Lakers jumped up in the ranks - after a tough lost to Houston and wins over Phoenix and Utah.

Houston wins over Lakers, Utah and Portland.

QUESTION - other than Chicago 0-3 with losses to NJ, Philly and Milwaukee - who has had a disappointing 1st weekend?

Will anyone respect the MAVs if they have a 70 win season, or will it all come down to the playoffs?

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com and we'll answer you letter.

See you next week.

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Monday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Enjoy.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool.

This week's show is posted here. Enjoy!

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

October 24, 2007

2007-10-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to 2007/2008

Toronto is currently 3-2 in the pre-season, with wins against European teams Lottomatica Roma & Zalgiris Kaunas and a win over the Chicago Bulls. They have lost to Boston and Real Madrid.

They have 2 games left against the Cleveland Cavs and the Washington Wizards (back to back).

In this week's show we discuss our predictions for the upcoming NBA season. We touch on who we think will take the championship in June.

What will the Heat do to change their fortunes and a disappointing 0-7 pre-season.

We even answer letters from the mail bag.

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com and we'll answer you letter.

Not sure what happens at the end of the show, we seemed to have been dropped, our apologies. See you next week.

We'd love for you to join us live. Go to our page on Talkshoe.com on any Wednesday during the season at 9:30 Eastern. Click on the Join In button. It easy to participate, as the podcast is set-up to be interactive. If you have any questions, just contact us.

Enjoy.

Check out the player on the sidebar as it plays each show. It's pretty cool. Or click here for this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

June 27, 2007

2007-07-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

NBA Draft - Pre Draft show

Portland Trailblazers have the first pick in the draft, and it is assumed they will pick Greg Oden. Seattle Supersonics have the second pick, again it is assumed they will take Greg Durant. After that the draft is in the air.

Will Atlanta grab a desperately needed point guard, or continue to stock large forwards?
What will Memphis and Boston do?

Why don't the Toronto Raptors have a pick?

There are large rumours about where Kevin Garnett will play next year.

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy.

or this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

May 28 - June 3, 2007

2007-05-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

NBA Playoffs! - Conference Finals
Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers tied at 2 games a piece.
San Antonio Spurs up 3 games to 1 against the Utah Jazz

Coaches
Marc Iavaroni (assistant with the Suns) has accepted the Memphis Grizzles' coaching job

We talk about Kobe Bryant's trade request. Where will he go? Who would the LA Lakers ask for in return.

The "Scooper" is back from his one week hiatus.

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe.com Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

May 21 - May 27, 2007

2007-05-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

NBA Playoffs! - Conference Finals
Detroit Pistons wins game one against the Cleveland Cavaliers
San Antonio Spurs take both home games against the Utah Jazz

The Lottery Show
The Memphis Grizzlies had a 25% chance of getting the top pick in this year's draft, the Boston Celtics had a 20% chance. At the end of the night, the order is set at Portland, Seattle, Atlanta, Memphis and then Boston.

Coaches
Sam Mitchell has signed a 3 year deal with the Toronto Raptors
Rick Adelman has accepted the Houston Rockets' coaching job (Jeff Van Gundy has been let go)
Sam Vincent will be Charlotte Bobcat's new coach
Brian Hill will not return to coach the Orlando Magic next season

We talk about Kevin Garnett's future with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com - Be sure to ask why the "Scooper" missed this week's show.

Enjoy this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe
Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

May 14 - May 20, 2007

2007-05-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Round 2 - NBA Playoffs!
Detroit Pistons remain up on the Chicago Bulls, but the Bulls have won the last two (3-2)
Utah Jazz win the series against the Golden State Warriors, advance to Western Conference Finals (4-1)
Cleveland Cavs are up on the New Jersey Nets (3-2)
San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns have split their first 4 games (2-2)

The NBA announces Dirk Nowitzki is this year's MVP.
Scooper can't name the last 20 Executives of the Year, but Brain Colangelo has won 2 of the last 3.

We talk about Miami's future with their current roster.

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe
Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

Paul Shirley (from ESPN)'s new book hit the stores yesterday. (May 15, 2007), click the picture below and it will take you to Amazon.com

May 7 - May 13, 2007

2007-05-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

Raptors lose a close game 6 and the New Jersey Nets move on to Round 2.
Golden State upsets Dallas and ends their series.
Utah beats Houston, in Houston and also move on.

Round 2 - NBA Playoffs!
Detroit Pistons up 2-0 on the Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavs also win the first 2 games versus the New Jersey Nets
San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns have split their first 2 games
Utah Jazz win the first 2 games against the Golden State Warriors

The NBA announce the All Rookie Team.
Sam Mitchell's contract ends June 30, 2007. In which direction will the directions head.

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe
Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

May 1 - May 5, 2007

2007-05-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

NBA Playoffs!

Raptors win game 5 and send the series back to New Jersey.
TJ Ford and Jose Calderon leave the game early due to injury.

Dallas withstands Golden State's attempt to end the series. There will be a game six in Oakland.

Brandon Roy wins Rookie of the Year

Toronto and New Jersey game 5, Friday night 8 PM (the Score).

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe
Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

April 30 2007

2007-04-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

NBA Playoffs!

Raptors lose two games in New Jersey. NJ's "big three" come alive.

Other series winners Chicago sweeps Miami, Detroit sweeps Orlando, Cleveland sweeps Washington in the East - In the west Phoenix up 3 to 1 on the LA Lakers, Houston up 3 to 2 on Utah, San Antonio is up 3 to 1 on Denver and Golden State has a 3 to 1 lead on Dallas.

Toronto and New Jersey game 4, Tuesday night 7pm eastern (the Score and TNT).

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe
Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

April 25 - April 29, 2007

2007-04-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

NBA Playoffs!

Raptors even the series with New Jersey on the great play of Anthony Parker. New Jersey's big 3 had a terrible shooting game, was it the Raptor's defense? Sam Mitchell takes home the Coach of the Year honour.

Other series winners with 2 wins each - Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland in the East - Phoenix and Houston. While Denver/San Antonio and Golden State/Dallas have 1 game a piece in the West.

Toronto and New Jersey game 3, Friday night 7pm eastern (the Score and ESPN2).

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy this week's show.
Our page on Talkshoe
Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

...

April 22 - April 24 2007

2007-04-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

NBA Playoffs!

New Jersey draws first blood, with a zone defense and a good transition game.

Other winners - Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland in the East - Phoenix, Houston, Denver, Golden State in the West.

Will Sam Mitchell take home the Coach of the Year honour.

Toronto and New Jersey game 2, tomorrow night 7pm eastern.

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy.

This week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe
Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

And check out - www.buythebookbargains.com

April 15 - April 21 2007

2007-04-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

The last night of the 2006/2007 regular season.

Wins over Detroit, New York.
Loss to Detroit and Philadelphia

Bring on the Playoffs! Best first round match-ups

Joey Crawford's suspension.
Teams have been losing in an attempt to get better draft position.
What is happening to the Seattle Sonics franchise?
Where is Keon Clark?

Of course, Steve's rant of the week.

Contact us at talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy.

this week's show.

Our page on Talkshoe
Talking Raptors Ball

Some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

April 8 - April 14 2007

2007-04-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

This week's show, we touch on numerous Raptor and NBA topics.

Wins over

Philadelphia 94-85
Chicago 103 - 89
Minnesota 111-100
Plus the Orlando win makes 4 straight.

Upcoming games

Detroit - Friday
New York - Sunday
@ Detroit - Tuesday
Philadelphia - Wednesday - last game of the regular season.

Coach of the Year

Let us know what you think or ask a question. talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy.

This week's show

or our page on Talkshoe:

Talking Raptors Ball

And always, here are some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

April 1 - April 7 2007

2007-04-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

This week's show, we touch on numerous Raptor and NBA topics.

Last games - wins
Washington - 123-118 OT.
Charlotte - 107-94

loss Miami - 89-92

Upcoming games

Orlando - tonight - win!
@ Philadelphia - Friday
Chicago - Sunday
@ Minnesota - Monday
Detroit - Friday

Playoffs - teams are pretty much set, last 8 games are for positioning

MVP race or is it? - Is Kobe the best player in the league?

Scooper might even give some of his famous fashion tips!

Let us know what you think or ask a question. talking.ball@gmail.com

Enjoy.

This week's show

or our page on Talkshoe:

Talking Raptors Ball

And always, here are some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

March 25 - March 31 2007

2007-03-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

This week's show, we touch on these topics and others:

The Toronto Raptor's last few games where they
Beat Denver – 121-94
Lost to Boston – 87-95

Upcoming games.

Playoff positioning

Who would be the best first round opponent for the Raptors?

The status of forward Jorge Garbajosa as he underwent ankle surgery - expected to miss 6 months

Enjoy.

This week's show

or our page on Talkshoe:

Talking Raptors Ball

And always, here are some other great blogs:
www.raptorblog.com
www.nba.com/raptors/news/swirsky

March 18 - March 24 2007

2007-03-21T13:09:00.001-07:00

This week's show, we touch on these topics and others:

The Toronto Raptor's last 5 games where they
Beat:
Seattle – 120-119 OT
Milwaukee – 108-93
New York – 104-94
Then Lost to:
Houston – 114-100
NY – 92-74

Upcoming games.

We touched on the Playoff races. Who will make the cut.

The Miami Heat.

Why the NBA is handing down numerous fines

The status of forward Andrea Bargnani as he underwent successful surgery - non-perforated acute appendicitis.

Who would you take, Bosh or Stoudemire?

Enjoy.

Click Here
http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-21646/TS-13320.mp3

My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-1b2bed1398b703662dedae2d563f3d41}

March 4 - March 10 2007

2007-03-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

This week's show, we touch on these topics and others:
- the Raptors' 3 game losing streak (vs. Milwaukee, Cleveland and Washington)
- the Raptors' win against the Memphis Grizzles
- the Toronto Raptors getting to the playoffs
- the Eastern conference and how many teams are up and down
- mailbag (talking.ball@gmail.com)
- Shaq and his play in NBA history

Enjoy.

This week's show

or our page at:

http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=21646

Feb 25 to March 3 - 2007

2007-03-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

With this week's show, we touch on numerous topics, including:
- the NBA All Star weekend
- the Toronto Raptors getting to the playoffs
- the Miami Heat's chances of making the playoffs
- the Cavs' and the Wizard's current injuries

Enjoy.

This week's show

or our page at:

http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=21646

Here is our feed

http://recordings.talkshoe.com/rss21646.xml