What a game. Something told me that this game between the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls was going to be a tight struggle and worth watching when I turned it on via NBA League Pass. It has been a rare occasion this NBA season that anyone would force themselves to sit through a Raptors or Bulls game, if they were not a fan of either team. Today I just had a feeling this would be worth the watch.
Wow, both teams did not disappoint. The Raptors were leading throughout most of the match, only to let the Bulls slip back into the game in the waning minutes — ultimately allowing room for Ben Gordon to hit a dramatic jumper to tie it up after a missed Anthony Parker free throw. This after Derrick Rose missed a crucial layup and Shawn Marion affected a huge block on Tyrus Thomas, who was then forced to foul Chris Bosh (see photo above).
Overtime was just as much of a thrillride, however Bosh (31 and 15) came up big in the clutch, along with Il Mago, Andrea Bargnani who finished with 28 points. José Calderon was the dynamic floor leader that he always has been, with 19 assists to accompany his 22 points.
The Bulls backcourt steered them through the match, with Rose providing 23 and 9, along with Gordon’s huge 37 points. However Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons were not as dominant as they have been in recent games.
Raptors fans will be happy with the continued bench contributions of one of my favourite players in the NBA, Pops Mensah-Bonsu. The Whale Killer injected instant enthusiasm with several big dunks in his 13 point, 4 rebound performance. Meanwhile young point guard and Pete Marasmitch icon, Roko Ukic, showed more promise, with 6 points and 4 assists in only 13 minutes. His drives to the basket were almost too effortless.
Now if only we could see Nathan Jawai wearing something other than a full suit, patting teammates on the back. There is a whole country downunder waiting to see the former Cairns Taipan unleashed.
Slideshow from telecast of the match follows:
