Raptors Get Pop Blocked

Detroit 99, Raptors 95 (OT)

The Raps played with some good effort this time around, and competed with the Detroit Pistons last night at the ACC.  In the last twelve seconds in OT, Chris Bosh was able to nail one of his two free throws to pull within two against the Pistons, but then followed it up with a missed second free throw.  But fortunately Pops Mensah-Bonsu was able to come down with  the board after the missed free throw, but then only to have his off balance shot blocked by Jason Maxiell.   Jason “Eats Babies” Maxiell than iced off the Raps with the dunk on the other end to end the game at 99-95.

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For the Pistons, they were without Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson due to injuries.  Rip Hamilton dropped some dimes last night, with 16 assists (8 in the first quarter) but also added 24 pts and 5 boards.  Jason Maxiell got the start in place of ‘Sheed scoring 16 points on 8 of 9 shooting and pulled down 6 boards, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

As for the Raps, Bargnani got the start but only played a quick eight minutes after leaving with flu-like symptoms.  This meant extended minutes for Jake Voskuhl (8 minutes, 3 boards) and Pops Mensah-Bonsu (28 minutes, 8 pts, 10 boards).  Pops continues to be one of the few bright spots for the Raps as he’s been energetic, always hustling for the boards on both ends.  He should have been on the Raptors a long time ago as this something the Raptors have clearly been lacking.  Chris Bosh had a decent game scoring 27 pts on 31 shots, and also had 10 boards.  The Raps looked hungry and desparate for the win, but just lost it at the end to a tough, experienced Pistons squad.

Key Notes:

• Jose Calderon passed Alvin Williams as the Toronto Raptors all-time assist leader last night.
• Calderon had 20 pts, 11 assists and 4 steals
• Pops Mensah-Bonsu & Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 10 boards each
• Pistons shot 49% from the field, while the Raps shot 40%
• Detroit had 18 turnovers for the game
• All five Pistons starters were in double figures including Antonio McDyess who had 16 pts, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks
• Detroit Pistons owner, Bill Davidson  passed away last night at the age of 86
• For a Pistons perspective on last night’s game, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://need4sheed.com/2009/03/overtime-triumph-in-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;.html”>Need 4 Sheed
• Raps play the Pacers on Sunday

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Photo credit: (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)