The last game the Raptors ever played in Maple Leaf Gardens is not one they'll want to remember. After a good showing on the road in their first two games, Toronto didn't bring their 'A' game for the hometown fans.
As usual, the seats were almost empty when the team was introduced. It's hardly the kind of atmosphere which will energize players and make them play their best. "Mega-Mayor" Mel Lastman threw out the jump ball, and fell on his butt in the process. His team did much the same, metaphorically speaking. Center Kevin Willis started, playing with back spasms, and turned in a solid performance. The lineup was pretty much the same as against Washington, with backup center Michael Stewart not playing at all. Obviously he has yet to win Butch Carter's confidence. The Raptors shot under 30% in the first half and were lucky to trail by only 7. The only bright spot was some spectacular dunks by Vince Carter.
Halftime brought the same crappy half-time show which we see every year from VR. Can't they just show highlights from around the league like everybody else? The Raptors had a strong 3rd, led by Dee Brown's 3-point shooting, and the score was tied going into the fourth. Just like in Washington, however, the team couldn't score when it counted. In what must be some kind of record, the starting backcourt of Alvin Williams and Doug Christie combined for exactly 0 points, Christie going 0 for 10 from the floor and 0 for 2 from the line. Hopefully the Leafs' finale will be a bit better.
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