While everywhere else in the world this was a distant second in terms of importance of games taking place in Philadelphia tonight, in Toronto that is far from the truth. Raptors fans have been starving this moment since their disappointing exit last April to DH and the Magic. They were given some raw meet to salivate on with the trade for Jermaine O'neal in the offseason. Finally, the regular season started tonight and the Raptors did not disappoint. Facing an expected top-3 Eastern conference foe in the 76ers, the Raptors fought valiantly with a 95-88 victory. While the first quarter made it seem they were more concerned with what was happening nextdoor, the second quarter was a Michael Jackson-like transformation of sorts. Suddenly they decided to start picking up offensive players on defense and grabbing some rebounds. Andrea Bargnani and Joey Graham came off the bench to deliver some quality minutes. Everybody seems to have heavy legs this part of the year so their contribution came at exactly the right time. Roko Ukic appears to be a very competent backup to give Sam a reliable option when Jose takes a breather. Chris Bosh put up huge numbers very quietly tonight, finishing with 27 and 10. Sam Dalembert was an absolute
monster keeping the 76ers in the game as a force on the offensive glass. Very appropriately the exc
lamation point of the game was sealed and delivered by JO when he broke away with an emphatic slam. Philly looks like they have solid peices but they were unable to put things together tonight- look for a very exciting rematch in 3 weeks when the face off in Toronto.Player of the Game: (Tie) Jason Kapono (20, 8-11) and Samuel Dalembert (17 rbs)
The Kapono of last April we know and love was present tonight making big shot after big shot. Dalembert was unstoppable tonight on the offensive glass with 17(!) boards.
Overall the lasting image of tonights game may be Roko Ukic's emergence as a reliable second option at point guard.
