Game 31 Raptors at Nuggets

Raptors took care of business on the first game of a back to back against the Clippers last night. Letès see how they can fair in the Mile High City against the Nuggets tonight.

• Last time these two teams saw each other the Raptors were victorious in overtime. It's going to be another tough one tonight with the high altitude and being on a back to back.
• Ty Lawson and Arron Aflalo both had great games last time they played the Raptors. Raptors D will need to work hard to contain them tonight.
• Kyle Lowry continued his All-Star playing ways last night with 25 points against Chris Paul. Look for him to lead the charge again tonight

Song Of The Day

"Lucky Denver Mint" - Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World may have made a name for themselves with their 2001 album Bleed American, but they were releasing great music all the way back to the 90's. Inspired by Elliot Smith, Heatmiser and Mr T Experience, they released 3 albums in the 90's going all the way back to 1994. "Lucky Denver Mint" comes from the 1999 album Clarity and was used in the soundtrack for Never Been Kissed.

Raptors in the Mile High City!!

Game 30 Raptors at Clippers

With game number 30 about to begin, so begins the most greuling road swing by the Raptors this season. 5 games on the West coast facing back to backs and some serious competition. Can't look too far ahead as it begins today in Los Angeles against the Clippers

• The Clippers played on Christmas day against the best team in the league Golden State Warriors and won 100-86
• The Brazilian KD Bruno Caboclo will not be making any appearances in up coming games as he has been assigned to the D-League (Developmental League) to hone his game and see court time. Get 'em Bruno
• The Clippers are a tough team with many All-Star players (Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Jamal Crawford) a champion Coach in Doc Rivers and a powerful bench. Raptors must be focused and disciplined today.
• DeMar DeRozan made the trip, but will likely not play. Look for James Johnson or Landry Fields to get the start.

Song Of The Day

"Los Angeles Is Burning" - Bad Religion

The Clippers organization was almost burned to the ground by fans and players a-like last year when it was revealed their 82 year old owner had made racist remarks. He has since been removed and a new younger owner has taken his place. "Los Angeles Is Burning" is from the 2004 Bad Religion album The Empire Strikes First. Thats what the Raptors need to do in this street fight, hit first.

Go West young men!!

Game 29 Raptors at Bulls

The Raptors last home game of 2014 has come and gone as they'll close out the year on a 6 game road trip that begins in Chicago. Last time these teams met, The Bulls bested the Raptors in prime time. Let's take a look at the factors tonight

• Derrick Rose is likely out for the Chicago Bulls and while Chicago has been getting used to winning without their super star point guard, it's a big help for Toronto tonight
• Landry fields did not pass concussion tests again tonight and will miss the game. As will DeMar DeRozan again, the Raptors are 9-3 without DeMar.
• As mentioned above this game marks the start of a difficult road trip for Toronto with games away against Golden State, LA Clippers and Portland. This is a different Raptors team though than years passed. Expect some exciting basketball over the holidays

SONG OF THE DAY

"Chicago Is So Two Years Ago" - Fall Out Boy

Before Fall Out Boy drank the mainstream suicide kool-aid they had a couple fantastic albums in their formative years. Their first such album was 2005's Take This To Your Grave which featured some hard hitting and grinding punk rock that featured some pop elements for good measure. Songs like "Grand Theft Autumn" and "The Pros and Cons Of Breathing" set the stage for their next album From Under The Cork Tree, the triumph of which the band has yet to overcome or match. "Chicago Is So Two Years Ago" is another of the songs that jump out at you and remind you of time that Fall Out Boy's music could stop you in your tracks. It also features Justin Pierre from Motion City Soundtrack. More on them another time.

MAYBE BRUNO WILL PLAY AGAIN!! BRUNO! BRUNO! BRUNO!

Game 28 Knicks at Raptors

With the Friday night victory of the Detroit Pistons the Raptors return home for their last home game of the year to face The New York Knicks. Last time these two teams met Toronto took the victory in Overtime.

• New York will be without Amare Stoudamire and JR Smith. Though they still have some big players in Carmelo Anthony, Iman Shumpert and ex-Raptor Jose Calderon.
• Landry Fields took a nasty fall on Friday night, though he initially passed the concussion test he failed to pass it this morning. He'll miss the game with 8 stitches in his head. Look for Grievis to get the start.
• DeMar DeRozan was out getting some shots up earlier today, but is likely a few games away yet. Which is fine. No sense reaggrevating an injury over the holidays.

Song Of The Day

"Fairy Tale of New York" - The Pogues

'Tis the season! And since the Raptors got snubbed once again for the highly coveted Christmas Day game, i'll play the Christmas song today. The best Christmas song in my opinion is "Fairy Tale of New York" by English group The Pogues.

#defendourterritory

Game 26: Nets at Raptors Drake Night!

This will be the first time the Toronto Raptors go up against Brooklyn since they lost to the Nets by 1 point in game 7 of the first round of the 2013-2014 Playoffs. It's time for some payback.

• The Nets have lost a few pieces since we last saw them namely Paul Pierce who inked a 2-year deal with Washington in the summer. Shaun Livingston who is now with the Golden State Warriors and even lost their coach Jason Kidd, who now coaches the Bucks.
• Though the Nets do have centre sensation Brook Lopez back who was out all last year due to injuries. Jonas Valanciunas is going to have his hands full. I hope he's prepared for the challenge of matching this big man.
• Tonight is Drake Night at the ACC with the Raptor's Global Ambassador in attendance, handing out shirts and likely playing some music for the sold out crowd as well. Should be a fun game.

Song of the Day

"Surfacing" - Slipknot

I really should have done a Drake song here, but i'm sure there will be other opportunities for that. This song just gets me so amped up!!! In honour of Raptors GM Masai Ujiri's now famous few seconds as a microphone assassin when he loudly exclaimed to a hyped up Toronto crowd "FUCK BROOKLYN" i'm playing this killer Slipknot track which drops the F-bomb around 16 times.

But seriously, fuck Brooklyn.

Say it again! FUCK BROOKLYN on Drake night!!

Game 25 Magic at Raptors

It's the 3rd of 4 regular season match-ups between the Orlando Magic and the Toronto Raptors.

• Raptors are on the second night of a back to back after beating the New York Knicks in overtime last night. While the Magic had the night off and were waiting for their opponents in Toronto.
• This will be the first time the Raptors see the Magic's sophomore guard Victor Oladipo. The #2 pick in the 2013 NBA draft.
• Landry Fields has been giving the Raptors good minutes starting for the team, but will have his hands full with tough matches like Tobias Harris and Channing Frye

Song of the Day

"Do You Believe In Magic?" - The Lovin' Spoonful

Perhaps the best known song from this New York based band. It reached it's peak in 1965. This song talks about how music has the ability to cross barriers and create happiness and freedom to those who let it into their world. Sports can have the same effect. Healing powers and understanding, acceptance even through the power of sport. It's great.

Greatest hits.....

Game 24 Raptors at Knicks

The first quarter of the 2014-2015 NBA season is behind us and the Raptors have fared well! Sitting atop the Eastern Conference they take on Atlantic Division rivals New York tonight at Madison Square Garden

• With a new coach (Derek Fisher) and new GM (Phil Jackson) New York had high hopes heading into this season. They've been brought back down to reality though and currently own a 5-20 record
• Iman Shumpert is out for the game and JR Smith is questionable with a foot injury. As well as Ex-Raptor Andrea Bargnani who is still benched due to multiple injuries.
• Former Raptors Jose Calderon and Quincy Acy now play for the Knicks. I'm sure some Raptor watchers hoped for a better future for these fan favourites from the past

Song Of The Day

"I Wanna Be A NY Ranger" - Misfits

I'll probably never write a blog for the NHL. If I do and need to do a write-up/song collaboration for a New York Rangers game i'm sure i'll regret tipping my hand in this blog. There is no song called "I Wanna Be A NY Knick" afterall. John Cafiero actually intended to let  punk brothers The Ramones record this song, but by the time it came about The Ramones had already stopped making music. The Misfits then came aboard and gave the song the proper energy and power it deserved.

I don't wanna be a NY Knick...

Game 23 Pacers at Raptors

Before this season this would have been a match-up to circle your calender for. Just a season ago the Pacers were forerunners for the top spot in the Eastern Conference and had some great pieces in Paul George and Lance Stephenson. Let's take a look at tonight's battle

• For Indiana Lance Stephenson signed with Charlotte in the off season. Also All-Star Paul George broke his leg in a horrific accident before the FIBA World Cup and is out for the year. 
• David West is back for the Pacers but is still not back to his true form. Roy Hibbert and Luis Scola are still big obstacles and the Raptors need to be ready for their intensity
• Still no DeMar DeRozan, but the Raptors are going to need to bring defensive accuracy and energy to bounce back after the loss to Cleveland on Tuesday.

Song of the Day

A Change Of Pace - "War In Your Bedroom"

Tonight there is an Eastern Conference war in the ACC. A Change Of Pace are from Arizona and have been performing together since 2001. They site Third Eye Blind as a major influence, but you can hear elements from all over the musical world sprinkled within their songs. "War In Your Bedroom" is from the 2006 album Prepare The Masses.

Time to bounce back raps!

Game 22 Raptors at Cavaliers (Early game)

Early game. A whole half an hour earlier than the east coast starts we're used to. But it's notable!! The Raptors square off against the LeBron led Cavaliers for the third time this early season. What else can we possibly talk about?

• Both teams are on a back to back. Raptors took care of the Nuggets at home last night and Cleveland were in Brooklyn and walloped the nets 110 to 88. Ouch.
• Raptors need to step up their defense if they want to beat the Cavs. It's what head coach Dwane Casey preached during their weekend practices and we saw some shines of it last night, but still gave up 107 points through 4 quarters and an overtime.
• Landry Fields will start for the injured DeMar DeRozan tonight. You read that right. Greivis Vasquez will come off the bench. I like Landry, he's shown some great defense in the past and is a smart player. Hopefully he's not too rusty. Greivis off the bench gives us more scoring along side Patterson and Williams.

Song Of The Day

Patty Griffin - "Ohio"

Since we're in Ohio for tonight's game I decided to show a cool song by Maine's Patty Griffin. This one is from her 2013 album American Kid and features Led Zeppelin' Robert Plant on backing vocals. Griffin is a very accomplished performer and songwriter, winning a Grammy in 2011 for her album Downtown Church she's had many of her songs covered by high profile artists such as Joan Osborne, Kelly Clarkson, Emmylou Harris and The Dixie Chicks.

Let's at least split the series with Cleveland!!

Game 21 Nuggets at Raptors (post game)

Raptors return to the winning side of the column by outlasting the visiting Denver Nuggets in overtime 112-107.

• Nuggets were without Kenneth Faried, Nate Robinson, and Javale McGee. Though they still played very well on a back to back. Ty Lawson and Aaron Aflalo put up big time numbers.
• Raptors haven't won in overtime at home since March 2009. Glad to see that one change tonight.
• Big games from Jonas Valanciunas, Patrick Patterson and Sweet Lou Williams. Always good to see different players step up, especially with DeMar DeRozan still out with an injury.

Song Of The Day

"Nugget" - Cake

Cake are one of those bands that is difficult to pigeon toe into a specific genre. The monotone-esque vocals, funky bass beats and the inclusion of brass instruments made Cake stand out among the majority of music on the radio when they arrived in the 90's. "Nugget" is off the fantastic 1996 album Fashion Nugget kind of an unofficial title track.

Looouuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Game 20 Cavaliers at Raptors

20 games in an Toronto sits high atop the East with an impressive record of 15-4. It should also be noted that the Raptors have had the best offense of any team in 35 years this season. Scoring an average of 116.3 points per 100 possessions! Impressive. Tonight Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers make their first Canadian appearance.

• DeMar DeRozan still sits out with a groin injury for the Raptors while Cleveland's only injury is the knee of Matthew Dellavedova.
• Last time these two teams met Cleveland was up early in the first quarter 24-6, but the Raptors were able to turn it around and pull out the W. The Cavaliers are sure to want revenge. Need some big defense on LeBron from T-Ross and James Johnson. And try to slow down Kyrie Irving any way possible,
• Tonight the NBA will be honouring Nelson Mandela. Raptors' GM Masai Ujiri was inspired by Mandela when he founded Giants Of Africa, a program to encourage and educate African youth through basketball. Many guests will be in attendance tonight such as Charles Barkley, Dikembe Mutombo, Tracy McGrady and Brendan Shanahan.

Song Of The Day

"Kyrie" - Mr. Mister

Kyrie Irving was selected #1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2011 NBA Draft, the same draft they selected Tristan Thompson 4th, one pick before The Raptors took Jonas Valanciunas. Plenty of draft alumni in the match-up tonight, but it was the heroics of Irving that lead the Cavs to a victory of the Knicks of New York last night. However this game goes, tonight should be fun.

Also in this video, the 80's burns white hot.

Check out the Giants Of Africa website for more info!

Game 19 Raptors at Jazz

It's the second and final time that the Raptors and the Jazz will face each other in the regular season for 2014-2015! Y'know New Orleans should really get the Jazz name back, and then I guess Utah can have the Raptors because of the Utahraptor fossils discovered there, but then what would Toronto be called? Let's see what's the popular movie now? Mockingjay? The Toronto Mockingjays? Too close to Blue Jays...ah fuck it....Utah you're keeping the Jazz

• Last time the Jazz and Raptors met Toronto won 111-93 at home. 
• The Jazz are on a six game losing streak, only 2 games in their last 10. Still there are some big talents on the Jazz. Rudy Gobert, Dante Exum and of course future All-Star (i'm sure of it) Gordon Hayward. This team did defeat LeBron and the Cavs earlier this year.
• Second night of a back-to-back for the Raptors while the Jazz played last on Monday night. Gotta bring the energy!

Song of the day:

"Shattered Dreams" - Johnny Hates Jazz

Want a gift bag full of great songs but don't want each band to have a whole catalog of hits to sort through? Look no further than the 1980's!! It's like they were handing out hit songs with the amount of One Hit Wonders that decade produced. Johnny Hates Jazz were from England and "Shattered Dreams" got them international fame, but little else they did gained them any attention. Why does Johnny hate The Jazz? Maybe he's a New Orleans fan and wants the name of his Basketball team back.

From wikipedia:

Utahraptor (meaning "Utah's predator"^[1]) is a genus of theropod dinosaurs. It contains a single species, Utahraptor ostrommaysorum, which is the largest known member of the family Dromaeosauridae. Fossil specimens date to the upper Barremian stage of the early Cretaceous period (in rock strata dated to 126 ± 2.5 million years ago).^[2]

Game 18 Raptors at Kings

Oi these West Coast road trips really are difficult. For the players and us poor fans who are trying to stay up late to watch the game in Eastern Time. Sacramento is never an easy place for Toronto to grind out a win. Let's see what the Raptors got!

• It looked like DeMarcus Cousins was questionable tonight with an illness, but in all likelihood #15 will hit the court tonight. Good for the Kings, bad for Toronto as he is near unstoppable.
• Our first in season look at Canadian boy Nik Stauskas. He can drain a contested 3 like nobody's business, Raptors cannot leave him open
• Still no DeMar DeRozan, so Vasquez, Fields, James Johnson, everyone needs to step up and shake Sunday's loss from their minds to come through tonight.

Song Of The Day

"King For A Day" - Jamiroquai

James Johnson played for the Kings for a season or less. He had longer hair and wore protective glasses, or maybe they were just for show, not sure. He was kind of a King for a day. Jamiroquai are one of those great bands that you can't describe, there is no other group you can compare them to and all of their songs come from different styles. "King For A Day" is our song of the day!

Let's get itttt

Game 17 Raptors at Lakers

It's the Raptors annual crazy visit to the Lakers' homecourt in LA. This year they'll have to try and get an ugly win without their starting shooting guard DeMar DeRozan.

• DeRozan left the Dallas game on Friday with a tear in his groin muscle. While he travels with the team, it's unlikely he'll see any game time for at least 4 weeks.
• Last year around this time is when the Raptors' season started to turn around. It was before the Lakers game in LA when Masai Ujiri traded Rudy Gay to Sacramento for 4 solid bench players.
• The Lakers haven't been the same this year, with Kobe Bryant leading the team in struggles. Still the Lakers are still the Lakers and the Raptors cannot take this team lightly

Song Of The Day

The Distillers - "L.A. Girl"

The Distillers are a punk band from LA led by vocalist Brody Dalle who came from Australia. The Distillers are famous for hard hitting tunes and Dalle's distinct rough voice. "L.A. Girl" which could be autobiographical, is off their debut self-titled album. Check it out.

LA Boys Amir and DeMar are home!!

Game 16 Mavericks at Raptors Purple Night!!

Another big test for the Raptors at home as the surging Dallas Mavericks make their only visit to the ACC during the regular season. They'll be there to witness the Raptors re-don their throwback purple jerseys!!

• Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is very familiar with the Mavericks as he was an assistant coach for Dallas when they took home the NBA Championship in 2011. Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle then called then Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo and recommended Casey for the vacant Head Coach job in TO
• Tyson Chandler, who spent three years with the Knicks, has returned to Dallas and has been dominating other Western Conference teams. He also won a championship with the team in 2011.
• We'll likely see the return of Tyler Hansbrough for the Raptors tonight too. Who missed a few games with a shoulder injury

Song of the day

"Comin' Home" - City & Colour

Why am I picking a song by City and Colour? Why because the man behind the guitar is named Dallas Green! Get it City and Colour? Yeaaahh. He got his start as the guitarist/vocalist for Canadian hardcore group Alexisonfire and started City & Colour as an acoustic side project. With Alexisonfire wrapping it up a few years ago, this has been Green's main project. Dallas himself is a huge Raptors fan and can be seen at many home games! I actually met him at the ACC once in line for drinks on the floor level. It was my birthday and after a brief conversation he bought me a rye and coke. Good guy!

Purple Raptor Power!!

Game 15 Raptors at Hawks Post Game

The wins keep rolling in with the Raptors taking down the Hawks 126-115 on Atlanta's own court. Toronto has never started a season 4-1 on the road. They have now.

• Vasquez came alive in the 4th quarter, finding his stride from 3 hitting half his shots. People were unsure when Greivis would return to form. Tonight was the night.
• Lou Williams (the Eastern Conference player of the week) returned to his home town and former team of Atlanta and continued his hot streak.
• The Hawks have only lost twice at home this year. Their first home loss was to the Lakers
• The Atlanta home crowd was dead silent. For real. I'm sure it was damn near deafening for the Raptors who are used to a tempest of a home crowd

Song of the day

Simon & Garfunkel - "The Sound Of Silence"

This one is for the Atlanta crowd

Purple night this Friday!!

Game 13 Raptors at Cavaliers

The home stand is over and the Raptors head down to Cleveland to take on King James and his royal court. Will this be lucky 13 for the Raptors and get a win over LeBron? A feat they haven't accomplished since 2009. Let's look at a few pointers.

• Yes we haven't beaten Lebron James since 2009, but Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving is notorious for having bad games against us.
• Bruno and Bebe saw their first NBA action last night against the Raptors crushing victory over the Bucks. Hopefully that just whets their appetite and they work even harder now.
• Canadian Tristan Thompson is the lone Canuck on a Cavs team that traded away Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wiggins this past summer. He's been having some big games, let's see how he matches up against Patterson and Amir Johnson. They'll have to play big against the big Maple Leafer.
• Still no time table for a James Johnson return, he would have helped the Raptors slow down Lebron tonight.

Song of the day

Against Me! - "Cavalier Eternel"

No that's not a typo, it's how the song is spelled on the album sleeve. Against Me! are one of my favourite bands and this album ...As The Eternal Cowboy is high above most others on my "Albums I recommend" list. It's powerful, it's to the point, it's perfect. This whimsical acoustic track is found at the very end of the album, but it's one that always get's the ear's attention. 

Bruno!!!

Game 12 Bucks at Raptors

It's the last game of the Raptors mega-home-stand. We'll see the quite surprising Milwaukee Bucks come to town for a Friday night battle

• Jason Kidd is now the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Raptors fans will remember him from last year's playoffs when he coached the Brooklyn Nets. Though him and Dwane Casey share a championship ring and are friends, look for Kidd to get an unfriendly welcome from the Toronto fans.
• Milwaukee has a very young, very talented team. Players like John Henson, Larry Sanders and Khris Middleton are having good years. Last year's draft gem Giannis Antentokounmpo (The Greek Freak, that Masai had his eye on) will be a player to watch and we also get our first look at this year's #2 draft pick Jabari Parker
• If you like fast, up and down, smashmouth Basketball this should be the game for you. Though Raptor's James Johnson is likely still out for this one.

Song of the day

System Of A Down - "Deer Dance"

There isn't a missed step on System Of A Down's 2001 album Toxicity. It stands high atop the list of my favourite albums with a sound unlike any that has been heard before. Love the energy of this song, with it's crunching guitars and catchy off-beat drums. Quickly goes from high to low, happy to sad. Great!!

Defend our territory!!

Game 11 Grizzlies at Raptors

The home stand continues with the Memphis Grizzlies visiting the Toronto Raptors. Grizzlies sit atop the Western Conference and the Raptors still hold the Eastern Conference title. This could be a preview of the NBA finals. I SAID COULD BE!!!!

• If this game were played in 2000 it would be the Naismith Cup. When the then Vancouver Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors would square off and play in a different Canadian city to honour James Naismith the Canadian who invented the game of Basketball
• James Johnson (former Grizzly) will miss tonight's game after spraining his ankle during the Utah game trying to avoid the sideline cameramen. Landry Fields is also questionable for Toronto with an illness which means there could be a Bruno Caboclo sighting tonight!!
• Former Raptor and arguably the biggest name to play for Toronto Vince Carter makes his return being a member of the Memphis squad. The fan's will for sure let him have it, even as Toronto is planning a video tribute in his honour

Song of the day

Grizzly Bear - "Ready, Able"

Grizzly Bear are an indie rock band form Brooklyn, New York (f*ck Brooklyn) formed in 2002.  They play a blend of electronic and rock music with use of synthesizers, samplers and traditional instruments. "Ready, Able" comes off their 2009 album Veckatimest which got predominantly positive reviews from the music world's inner circle. It seems Grizzly Bear is currently on a break, but lead singer Daniel Rossen is hopeful and confident that the group will record a new album in the near future

Thanks Dr. Naismith!!

Game 9 Bulls at Raptors Prime Time!

Tonight marks the first time since 2004 that the Raptors have a regular season game broadcast in the US on TNT! Which means not only will the who's who of the Basketball world be at the game, the eyes of another nation will be watching. Regardless of that it's a Conference game and the Raps had better be ready for the still mighty Bulls.

• Derrick Rose (who happens to be one of my favourite non-Raptor players) is back from a variety of injuries and will step on the floor of the ACC for the first time in a few years. Rose vs Lowry should be a great battle with plenty of highlights.
• James Johnson was drafted by the Bulls back in 2009. We'll see if he can have another amazing showing against his former squad.
• Watch for Bull's rookies Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic to turn some heads tonight. Raptors bench needs to have another big showing.

Song of the night

"Bulls On Parade" - Rage Against The Machine

Should be Bulls AND Raptors On Parade!!! A big blasting song for an exciting night!! Rage Against The Machine were at the helm of the ship steering the Rap-Metal movement to new heights in the 90's. A perfect blend of political angst and hard hitting metal helped Rage become a household name. Of course this marriage wouldn't last and Rage disbanded in 2000, they were never meant to be on this world long anyway. I do miss Tom Morello making sweet sweet love to his guitar on stage during their shows though....this song features what sounds like a turntable scratching when it's actually Tom rubbing his fingers along the guitar strings while toggling between pickups all pumped through a wah-wah pedal.

SHOWTIME!!!

Game 8 Magic at Raptors

I Didn't write an entry the last time the Magic and the Raptors squared off as I was out of town, but Toronto has a chance to go 7-1 tonight so a blog there shall be!!

• It's been reported that the Raptors' starters have outscored their opponents 160-114 in just 63 minutes of play. That's a plus/minus of +46!! (Tom Haberstroh on twitter) Amazing!
• This is the second of three times these two teams will meet. Last time the Raptors won 108-95.
• The Magic still cannot be underestimated with guys like Tobias Harris, Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo and of course the monster in the middle Nikola Vucevic.
• It's Rememberence Day here in Canada. When we take time to remember all the soldiers lost in all the world's wars. Tonight in honour The Raptors will wear (sleeved) camo jerseys in the pattern of Canada's military.

Song of the Day!

"Magic" - B.O.B feat Rivers Cuomo

B.o.B is Bobby Ray Simmons Jr. a hip-hop artist form Georgia. His breakthrough came in 2010 when he released his album The Adventures of Bobby Ray which featured guest appearances by Hayley Williams, Janelle Monae and Bruno Mars. What also makes this album stand out it most if not all songs were primarily written by B.o.B himself. His songs have been connected with Basketball in the past as many Youtube compilation videos have been set against the backdrop of his tunes.

Lest We Forget

Game 7 76ers at Raptors

As of this writing the Torono Raptors sit alone atop the Eastern Conference with a 5-1 record. The best start in franchise history and the first time in that same history that the Raptors have been #1 in the East on their own. Tonight Atlantic Division rivals the Philadelphia 76ers make their first appearance north of the border. Here's a few points.

• It's no secret that the 76ers appear to be in "Tank Mode". Meaning their willing to have a few unsuccessful seasons for high payoffs come draft time. Don't be fooled though, they still have some big talent in guys like Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel, Tony Wroten and Joel Embiid. All young talents with bright futures ahead.
• Though it appears Nerlens Noel will be sitting this game out. No word on Toronto's Amir Johnson yet.
• Philadelphia lies at the bottom of the standings in the East with an 0-6 record, but it's the NBA and anything can happen. Raptors cannot snooze on these young 76ers

Song of the night

Ween - "Spirit Of '76"

The name 76ers comes from the forging of American independence in 1776, back when Philadelphia was the nation's capital. Because of such a monumental moment in history plenty of movies, shows and songs have been made inspired by it. Ween are a band who have written many songs in many different styles and their song "Freedom of '76" is one of their most well known. It comes off their infamous album Chocolate and Cheese and is said to be the first song that vocalist Gene Ween hit the high notes without digital technology.

That's Ween!

Game 6 Wizards at Raptors Purple Throwback Night!!

The Purple is back! Tonight marks the first of several games where the Raptors will honour their past and wear the retro purple-dino jerseys from 20 years ago. Perhaps the most hyped up night of this early season. And what better opponent than a conference rival and one that is destined to be force this year in the Washington Wizards?

• Tonight is also the first game in a staggering 7 game home stand for the Raptors. They are hoping to have an impressive record when it's all said and done.
• Amir and JV will likely dress and play for the Raptors tonight, which is joyous news. The Wizards have some talented bigs on their side in Marcin Gortat and one-name wonder Nene. We'll have to be at peak performance levels to compete with them.
• The Wizards added notorious Raptor killer Paul Pearce in the off-season and despite his age, he's added some serious shooting to this already loaded Washington team. Should be a good one!

Song of the night:

Googol Bordello - "Start Wearing Purple"

Started by Ukrainian born singer Eugenu Hutz, Googol Bordello got their start on the Lower-East side of Manhattan playing a unique style of music they dubbed "Gypsy Punk". So basically they play whatever they want. Most of their songs are different from one another, but the one that is very fitting with tonight's vintage jerseys? "Start Wearing Purple"

BONUS SONG!!!!

Again with the retro theme! Was Not Was' "Walk The Dinosaur"

Go Dinos!!!

Game 5 Raptors at Celtics

After a win against the short-handed Thunder last night the Raptors find themselves a little short-handed heading into Boston to face the Celtics tonight.

• Amir Johnson did not travel with the team due to his mysterious ankle injury and Jonas Valanciunas is likely not playing after getting whacked in the face by Sebastian Telfair yesterday. A facial contusion is what they're calling it, which is really a fancy word for a bruise.
• Boston is 1-2 after beating Brooklyn on Opening night and losing to Dallas and Houston.
• Last year the Raptors took the series 3 games to 1, but this year sees the Celtics adding a couple good players and losing few. Marcus Smart has been playing well and if Rajon Rondo can stay healthy the Celtics have a shot at the Eastern Playoffs

Boston's TD Garden is a notoriously difficult place for the Raptors to play and be successful. Last year saw them win for the first time at the Garden in 11 games

Tonight's song:

Boston - "Peace Of Mind"

Brad Delp was the iconic voice behind Boston, the classic rock group from the city that shares it's name. If you don't own their self-titled debut album, then that's the reason your CD rack or record shelf has always had that "incomplete" look. Really any song could have worked here from that record, but a Raptors win tonight, especially without our starting big men, would definitely give many Toronto fans some peace of mind.

Let's go boys!!

Game 4 Thunder at Raptors

Raptors return home tonight to protect the ACC against a Thunder storm. While the Oklahoma City Thunder are riddled with injuries, they are still a very capable team and the Raptors cannot sleepwalk through this game. Here are some things to note.

• Amir Johnson missed the game on Sunday against the Heat with a wonky ankle. That's a medical term. No word yet on his condition for tonight, but let's hope #15 makes an appearance.
• Thunder's superstar Kevin Durant has a 'Jones Fracture' in his foot. Along with Russell Westbrook, Anthony Morrow and Mitch McGary, KD will be missing tonight's game. They still have Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Perry Jones 3 who has really stepped up in KD's absence. 
• This is the Thunder's first visit to the ACC since all the Durant to T.O hype started last year after the Raptors were eliminated from the playoffs. Let's see how many times it gets mentioned.
• It should be mentioned that Kevin Durant is currently making his way around the net as an "Advice Animal" meme...if you don't know what that means click here. It might take too long for me to explain

Raptors are 2-1 after 3 games and the Thunder are 1-3 after 4 games. Should be a good one. These 2 teams had some intense battles last season.

Mastodon are an American heavy metal band formed in 2000. They are currently one of the biggest keeping hard rock and metal in the mainstreams collective conscious. Any one of their songs could be used to describe the home crowd at the Thunder's Chesapeake Energy Arena. One of the loudest in the NBA, though Toronto's ACC is quickly climbing the charts. The obvious choice here is "Blood & Thunder" the lead off track to their 2004 album Leviathan.

#KD2016!!

Game 3 Raptors at Heat

Fuckin' Miami

The streak continues. After 16 face-offs the Raptors have yet to defeat the Miami Heat. Keep in mind, plenty of those involved a guy named LeBron James. Tonight though, even without James, the Raptors came up short. Starting the season at 2-1.

• No Amir Johnson tonight landed Patrick Patterson in the starting line-up. But with no points or rebounds he had a rough night. T-Ross and Valanciunas also had rough nights, with Ross only seeing 16 minutes of time and JV missing some easy lay-ups at point blank.
• Bosh and Wade both had big nights. Wade even neared a triple double.
• Even though it's a loss it's always good to see the Raptors go down with a fight. Going down 107-102 isn't as bad as it could have been. Need to bounce back.
• Also we got to see Josh McRoberts tear his jersey due to a call that didn't go his way. 

Here's a link to the Vine

But anyway, as I was saying..

Fuckin' Miami

Thunder on Tuesday!!

Game 1 Hawks at Raptors Opening Night!

The day has finally come!! After a long off-season and 8 meaningless preseason games the Toronto Raptors' 2014-2015 season officially begins tonight with the Atlanta Hawks coming to town!
Will Drake be in attendance? Will the ACC be packed with screaming Raptors fans like the last time we saw it in the Playoffs? Will any former Raptors be courtside? We'll have to wait an see!!

A few things to look for

• Lou Williams squaring off against his former team. Him and Kyle Korver will likely be trading 3-point attempts all night
• Al Horford, Atlanta's dominant big man, is back. Valanciunas and Amir Johnson will have their hands full trying to contain him. If Horford goes off, it will be a long night for the Raptors.
• Kyle Lowry and Jeff Teague will go head to head as starting point guards. Both men were overlooked in last year's All-Star Game. Will those chips on the shoulders be in full view tonight!

Ladyhawke is a singer/songwriter based out of New Zealand who took her stage name from the 1985 movie Ladyhawke. After playing a few bands, she broke out on her own and released a killer of a self titled debut album. Though clearly influenced by indie rock and synth-pop most of the songs on the CD have muscle behind them and refuse to be ignored in the background of record shops and smokey bars. "Magic" is the song that I first heard by her, so i'll include here as the first official Raptor Track if the 2014-15 NBA season. And if the Atlanta Hawks don't call their cheerleaders the Lady-Hawks, they've missed a big opportunity.

Let's hope for some magic tonight! Go Raptors!!!!

Preseason Game 8 Knicks at Raptors

PRESEASON IS OVAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

With a 83-80 victory over the New York Knicks the Raptors' preseason comes to an end and the regular season is just around the corner on October 29th with a home opener against the Atlanta Hawks.

• Tonight's game was played in Montreal, QC in front of what appeared to be a sold out crowd. Good to see another Canadian city get amped for NBA Basketball. Time will tell if a new franchise could be supported there.
• Though downright filthy and sloppy times, the contest tonight had some intense moments. Iman Shumpert shutting down DeMar DeRozan on multiple occasions and 4 technical fouls handed out to players and coaches. It's clear to see the players (and refs) are ready for the season to start.
• Triangle. Triangle. Triangle. Definitely the buzzword of the night. We'll see if the Knicks' new offensive style can get them to the post-season this year.

Of Montreal are a band from Athens, Georgia, the same city that gave us REM. Lead singer Kevin Barnes named the group after breaking up with a woman from Montreal. Since their beginnings in 1997 Of Montreal have had a successful and critically acclaimed career. One of their funnest songs and videos comes from the 2006 EP Deflated Chime, Foals Slighty Flower Sibylline Responses, it too has a longer than usual title "Wraith Pinned To The Mist (And Other Games)"

Let the season begin!!!

Preseason Game 7 Maccabi Haifa B.C at Raptors

This is a little later today than I would have liked, but since i'm in Ottawa and certain terrible events transpired today, we'll have to live with it. It's times like these that we need these happy distractions so people can come together and celebrate the freedom we hold so dear.

Maccabi Haifa B.C are an Israeli Basketball Club who play in the Israeli Superleague. This passed season they made it all the way to the finals only to lose to Maccabi Tel Aviv. The PreSeason is chalk full of games like this. Either played in a foreign country to boost international interest in the NBA or against a team from a foreign country to boost interest in international play. This preseason Haifa BC have already played against the Washington Wizards, Portland Trailblazers and Sacramento Kings. They have lost all 3 games.

• Tonight could mark the preseason debut of Lucas "Bebe" Nogueira who has been sidelined with a groin injury. Looks like he's been activated!
• Maccabi Haifa B.C. have 5 players of US nationality playing on their team
• After tonight's game there is one more preseason match up on Friday against The Knicks which will be played in Montreal. Then it's off to the regular season!

Silverchair are one of those bands that comes to mind when someone mentions 90's grunge rock. Sure they were quickly signed to be the next Nirvana, even their line-up and style of dress mimicked Kurt Cobain and co. They were, thankfully, a great band though and their debut album Frogstomp still ranks high on my favourites from that decade. 

From that album here is "Israel's Son" which was the third single released behind "Tomorrow" and "Pure Massacre". Before Silverchair  took a hiatus in 2003 "Israel's Son" was the only song from Frogstomp that the band still performed live.

2 more games to go!

Preseason Game 6 Raptors at Thunder

Still on the road and finally a preseason game against a team that was over .500 last year. Though it is still preseason so anything can happen. The Raptors are in Wichita, Kansas to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

• The Intrust Arena in Wichita is home to the Wichita Thunder an ECHL hockey team and the Wichita State Shockers are an NCAA basketball team that went undefeated headed into the March Madness Tournament last year.
• OKC's star Kevin Durant is out an estimated 6 weeks due to a fractured foot bone. This very injury is the very reason many teams rest key players for preseason games.
• Last year the 2 regular season games between these 2 teams wer very hotly contested. With the Raptors taking the first game and ending the Thunder's undefeated home streak and the second game went to double overtime with the Thunder coming out on top.

I'll keep the "Thunderstruck"s and "Thunder Road"s for another time. This is Thundercat time. Thundercat is a very talented bass player from California and has worked with Flying Lotus and Suicidal Tendencies. "Oh Sheit It's X" is a crazy-funk track that is almost too fun for it's own good. So many high points, much like a basketball game. So much to take in.

KD to TO in 2016!!

Preseason Game 5 Raptors at Celtics

Another battle of the Atlantic goes down today in preseason action. The Raptors face off against the green machine Boston Celtics. This game will take place in Portland, Maine. I suppose it's because the Celtic's D-League affiliate team The Red Claws play in Portland.

• In the preseason game against the Knicks the Raptors sat Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas for rest. There's rumours that DeMar DeRozan and Amir Johnson get the pass tonight
• It appears Raptors rookie Bruno Caboclo will get the start tonight. He had an impressive showing on Monday night on both ends of the court
• T-Ross is likely out for the game as well as Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo. Probably another battle of the benches

The Maine are a rock band from Arizona. Their first full-length album was released in 2008, though our featured track comes from their 5 song EP released in 2007. "The Way We Talk" was first introduced to my world via the Vans Warped Tour compilation CD in 2008. The Maine have played that tour several times and have toured with acts such as Good Charlotte, Taking Back Sunday and The Arkells. More recently The Maine have released an acoustic album, again with only 5 songs. Wonder what it is about that number? If anything...

T.O GET LOUD!!

Preseason Game 4 Raptors at Knicks

The Raptors head to Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Sports in North America to face the New York Knicks tonight. The Knicks have had an eventful off-season. They got a new GM in the legendary Phil Jackson, former coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers taking both teams to multiple championships. They re-signed Carmelo Anthony and got a few new players in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks

• For Canadian fans NBA journeyman Samuel Dalembert finds his home in New York and was part of the trade that sent Tyson Chandler to Dallas
• 3 ex-Raptors now suit up for the Knicks. Fan favourites Quincy Acy and Jose Calderon joined via free-agency and a trade over the Summer. And former Toronto 2006 #1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani is in his final year of contract with the Knicks after being traded by Masai Ujiri in 2013.
• New York has a new head coach in Derek Fisher who played in LA under Phil Jackson. Should be an interesting dynamic there.

Going to keep this one simple for now. There are plenty of songs written about New York and the Raptors will face them a bunch more times before the year is out. So here's Ryan Adams' "New York, New York". An interesting thing about this video is it was filmed just 4 days before September 11, 2001 and features the WTC heavily. After it was released it became a tribute to one of the gretest cities in the world.

Battle for Atlantic!!

Preseason Game 3 Celtics at Raptors

The Toronto Raptors come home to the ACC for the first time in this young preseason tonight to face the visiting Boston Celtics. Us Toronto fans have gotten used to seeing the Boston green many times over the years, as Atlantic Division rivals the Celtics and Raptors square off 4 times during the regular season.

A few points here

• Jared Sullinger is a big time up and coming player in the East and much like Demarcus Cousins, he typically has big games against Toronto.
• Another Canadian prospect plays for the Celtics, Kelly Olynyk of Kamloops, BC is in his second year with Boston. He's the one with the hair.
• Bruno made his debut Tuesday night in Sacramento and brought energy and a couple 3-bombs to the table...he also hit the hardwood rather unceremoniously going for a rebound. Love the effort kid, but pick your spots.

Plenty of options to choose from here, but i'm going with San Diego band Augustana who got their start in the early 2000's. Their most well known song is called "Boston". Not very hype, pump-up song, but they all don't have to be. Mix it up a little.

Let's go Raptors!!

Preseason Game 2 Raptors at Kings

The first Preseason meeting with The Raps and The Kings is in the books, with the lizards coming away with the W (99-94)

Here's a few points on that game before we look at tonight's match in Sacramento

• I'm a dumb guy and totally forgot the Canadian boy Nik Stauskas is on the Kings squad and looks pretty good. Nailed some confident shots and showed some great energy and tenacity. Great pick up for Sacramento.
• Raptors' bench looks strong with Vasquez, Williams (Sweet Lou), J. Johnson and Hansbrough having some great on court chemistry. Tyler Hansbrough hit his first NBA career 3-pointer!! Spawning the twitter trend #PSYCHO3
• Raptors #20 pick in the 2014 draft Bruno Caboclo did not see any playing time. We'll see if he can get in there tonight

Now on to tonight's game which is a rematch with the Kings only in their hometown of Sacramento.

• Terrence Ross is out for Toronto tonight after Ramon Sessions banged knees and stepped on Ross' foot. Patrick Patterson and Bebe Nogueria are also inactive for the Raps. Maybe there is a chance Bruno gets in
• It'll be interesting to see Sacramento play in front of their home crowd and see how the fans react to the new players.
• No, there is no Canadian broadcast for this game. Let's not shit ourselves folks, it is only preseason after all and these games count for nothing. Maybe we can find a lucky feed from the Sac-Town arena

There is a Vancouver band called The Kings who had one hit back in the 80's and it is almost too perfect considering Sunday's game was in Vancouver. I can't stand that song however, so i'll mention it but won't feature it. So here's a new band called Kyng (close enough) and this song is great it's called "Electric Halo"

BRUNO!!!

Preseason Game 1 Kings at Raptors

Today marks the first day of the Toronto Raptors preseason where they'll be facing the Sacramento Kings in Vancouver, BC. The last time we saw the Raptors in action it was a one point loss in Game 7 of the first round of playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets. Expectations are high for the Toronto squad this season, and with plenty of familiar faces returning, there is a good chance that they'll be met.

A few things to mention here.

• Ex-Raptor Rudy Gay has picked up his player option on his contract and still plays for Sacramento after being traded to them last year. 3 of the 4 players TO got in return for Gay remain on the Northern Uprising in Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes.
• 7'4" Canadian prospect Sim Bhullar is fighting for a roster spot on the Sacramento Kings. He went undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft, but was picked up by the Kings. I'm sure his height alone was enough to entice a few teams to take a second look at him. It will be interesting to see the Canadian crowd react to their countryman. 
• DeMarcus Cousins has always had the Raptors' number, seemingly always having big games against us. Him and Toronto centre Jonas Valanciunas got into a little scuffle at this year's World Cup match. We'll see if any of that carries over to this game.

But this Blog is called "Raptor Tracks" for a reason. I'll feature a song for each Raptor game...or after each game...haven't decided yet. One that fits along the theme of the team, city or player involved. To kick it off I decided to go with Canadian artist Matthew Good. Good was born in Burnaby, British Columbia where the Raptors set up Training Camp at the Fortius Centre there. 

And what better song to played at a sporting event in Vancouver, especially right before tip-off? The national anthem of course!

So here is "The Vancouver National Anthem" by Matthew Good.

LET'S GO RAPTORS!!!