Makes one wonder what the reaction would have been in the first quarters of games 1 and 2 had they been here. Would the hatred by the “fans” influenced the comeback in a negative way?

I suppose I shouldn’t say “it’s in the bag” but there’s a good chance they’ll win. As for the lineup changes, as long as he corrects the Bargnani mistake, I’m not too worried. Smitch needs to realize he’s not smart enough to be tweaking lineups in the playoffs, he’s got a long ways to go before he understands the game like SVG and should just try to coach the team, not outcoach the opposing coach.

Arsenalists last blog post..Game 3 Preview: Sea of Red looks to even series

And I saw nothing “likely” in the last 2 weeks of the season, in all honesty.

Please, we knew we were likely to end up playing Orlando about two weeks before the season ended.

How can you possibly defend Mitchell for putting out a lineup that has NEVER played together and play Bargnani at a position he has NEVER played? I don’t think I need to type anymore to make that point.

As Khandor said, I think Game 3′s in the bag. It’s Game 4 that’s going to be the issue. Just like it was against Philly.

Arsenalists last blog post..Game 3 Preview: Sea of Red looks to even series

I have seen Sam call a timeout when we are consistently missing assignments or not running plays he’s called. Hell, in the last 2 games of the season, he called a timeout less than 3 minutes into a quarter. As Scott pointed out, he called one fairly quickly in game 2. A TV timeout was to come before the end of the quarter, so why burn another one?

Again, Game 2′s run was due to turnovers. What do you say in a timeout? “Please hold on to the ball?” Come on.

I’m all for banking my timeouts for the 4th in the playoffs. As we saw, if we are within striking distance, I’d rather know I have 2 in my back pocket rather than have blown an extra one in the 4th due to stupid turnovers that you have no control over as a coach.

Scotts last blog post..Linkage – April 24

maybe it’s just me, but not calling a timeout doesnt work, calling one timeout didn’t work. how about calling more? he doesn’t done that. i understand hes trying to teach a lesson, and make the guys play through shit, but what is the point of having a coach then?

Raps Fans last blog post..Raptors vs Magic – 2008 Playoffs Game 3 – April 24, 2008

At times, I side with the Phil Jackson way of doing things: play through it. Calling a timeout, especially on the road, allows the crowd to really feed into the home team, gives the team time to celebrate and revel in the moment. Outside of getting a sub-in, I don’t think a team with the personnel of the Raptors does any good. Again, we suck at defending the three. Would Sam be able to teach how to do it in a timeout?

Yes, it could be a momentum stopper, but sometimes you are playing against a tsunami. I don’t care if Sam called 3 timeouts that first quarter, we were like a fisherman in a row boat.

Scotts last blog post..Linkage – April 24

Given Sam’s career as a player, though, the irony is hard to miss. Maybe the crowd will inspire some D tonight…

can’t smitch call a timeout, and hope to squash some of the momentum? that’s all i’m saying. arsenalist pointed out that svg called a timeout the other night when the raptors were mounting some momentum, and the magic were up 11.

s that not a reasonable expectation of the coach? clearly the raptors are coming out flat footed to start games, some more support from the coach could help things out.

Raps Fans last blog post..B.C. Sign’s Fred Newman