GAME 79: HAWKS AT RAPTORS; Tues. April 5th 7:30 on TSN

[Dvdvideo]

Pascal playing at such an elite level makes this team dangerous on any night against any team in the east. I think we have a legit shot at any team in a 7 game series, assuming we are healthy.

[planetmars]

That was a pretty weird game there. Raptors had nobody that can hit a 3, until Thad finally did late in the first half. Followed by Pascal Siakam who got a swish. Our offensive rebounding was crazy awesome. Just got to every loose ball and created so many extra possessions. And the refs helped us out with the free throws (even though we sucked at the line).

I'm still curious as to why Nurse went with Banton. We were 0-12 or something from 3 at that point.. I don't think Banton was going to help.

Fred was a disaster until that he hit that last one. And even that rattled in. He's got that Lowry post-ASG injury thing. Not good with only about a week left for the playoffs. We need Fred to dial in, because he's one of our only 3pt shooters. And you know Nurse is gifting him 42-43 minutes a game.

Precious was outstanding. Scottie picked it up late. Killer 3 pointer, but gave it right back by letting Bogdan take a wide open one. Some rookie moments, but he put up all-star like stats. I hope the media is paying attention.

But yeah Pascal was just feasting. I guess Atlanta didn't have Collins or Gallo so that made it easier for Pascal to get anything he wanted. Surprised they didn't go with Hunter on him early. Thought their coach was good?

Glad we stormed back and won this. And with the Cavs loss, we're heading to the play-offs baby! I was actually really worried. Was thinking we had a chance to fumble this up.

Rest Fred up until the last game, and then ease OG back. I'd even give Pascal a night off against the 6ers. He's been carrying this team on his shoulders for awhile. Give him some rest Nurse!

[The Great One]

The team I want to play the least is Milwaukee. I think they're the best team in the NBA. That's why I think the Sixers game is huge. We gotta win that game. If they want to rest FVV then rest him against NYK and Houston. We can beat both those teams without him or Siakam in the lineup.

[Jclaw]

Yeah I think you speak for all of us, Scottie deserves the award. If he doesn't get it I hope he takes it personally like Green did, not going first overall and uses it as motivation.

Only motivation for getting the 5th seed

[Primer]

Free throw differential and rebounding made up for Raps' regular terrible shooting from three. Hawks went small a lot but no Gallo and no Collins forced their hand in that.

Siakam was fantastic. Barnes was very good on offence and on defence late in the game but man he makes a lot of mistakes defensively - it's hard to remember he's a rookie at this. Thought Trent had a sneaky good game even though he couldn't shoot. Thad, Achiuwa and Boucher were all excellent off the bench.

Birch is a problem. He's too slow and it causes problems when they are scrambling on defence. Couple that with teams not defending him and it's not a good situation.

I think Nurse doesn't want to mess up the flow of his playoff bench so he starts Birch. When OG comes back for the playoffs he starts and Birch goes DNP-CD.

[LJ2]

Cade didn't play last game either. Scottie had 19 and 14 this game. I'll be kind of annoyed if he doesn't win.

I know in the grand scheme of Scottie's career, it probably won't mean much, but its nice to see our players get accolades.

Yeah I think you speak for all of us, Scottie deserves the award. If he doesn't get it I hope he takes it personally like Green did, not going first overall and uses it as motivation.

[slaw]

Free throw differential and rebounding made up for Raps' regular terrible shooting from three. Hawks went small a lot but no Gallo and no Collins forced their hand in that.

Siakam was fantastic. Barnes was very good on offence and on defence late in the game but man he makes a lot of mistakes defensively - it's hard to remember he's a rookie at this. Thought Trent had a sneaky good game even though he couldn't shoot. Thad, Achiuwa and Boucher were all excellent off the bench.

Birch is a problem. He's too slow and it causes problems when they are scrambling on defence. Couple that with teams not defending him and it's not a good situation.

[Jclaw]

We couldn’t hit a three until we did. Couldn’t hit free throws until we did. Nice win. The Saints went marching in. Not to be an apologist but Birch boxed Capella out well while he was in there.

[A.I]

I think with Mobly sidelined in Cavs, Scottie has to get the ROY trophy.

Cade didn't play last game either. Scottie had 19 and 14 this game. I'll be kind of annoyed if he doesn't win.

I know in the grand scheme of Scottie's career, it probably won't mean much, but its nice to see our players get accolades.

[RaptorsVictim]

I think with Mobly sidelined in Cavs, Scottie has to get the ROY trophy.

[RaptorsVictim]

Nurse needs to realize that Precious is a superior player than Birch.

But you need to know that Birch is so good in defending the pick and roll.

[Primer]

I also didn't find this game all that close. Hawks played from behind basically the entire time. The win was never in doubt in my mind. If we hit our normal amount of 3s this is a blowout win. We had great looks just kept missing them.

[saints91]

I want that game against the 76ers, so maybe keep Fred going for that game and then shut him down.

[Primer]

We're gonna move into 5th, Bulls getting crushed.

Rest Fred up for the next game at least. It's fine if we lose to Philly, we'll easily beat the Knicks and Rockets if we're trying.

[The Claw Reborn]

Good win! I hope we don’t rest anyone for the last three games, restrict minutes but keep guys in rhythm

I really think they should rest VanVleet

especially that Flynn is back healthy