New-Look Raptors Down Celtics In Exhibition
Posted October 11, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
So far, so good.
In their first two games of the 2006-07 pre-season, the Raptors are 2-0, getting their second win over the Boston Celtics by a score of 118-112 in overtime Wednesday night.
It was the Raps first game in front of the home crowd at Air Canada Centre, and the fans definitely got a show.
2005 all-star Chris Bosh was scintillating, scoring 22 points to lead the way. Jorge Garbajosa was second on the team with 18 and Fred Jones added 14 to go with a team-high eight rebounds.
For the visitors, rookie Rajon Rondo poured in an impressive 29 points, including a buzzer beating three pointer that forced the extra frame.
But it was the new-look Raptors that sparkled, decked out in their new jerseys, which they put on in their new locker room. Chris Bosh even had a new hairdo.
“I think our fans are ready for us to have a more successful season,” said Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell. “I know the organization is ready, I know I’m ready, the players who have been here in the past are ready.”
It’s hard to disagree when Bosh shoots 9-11 from the floor in just 23 minutes.
And in overtime, Spanish imports Garbajosa and Jose Calderon — one of three holdovers from last year — took over and combined for 11 points.
Heavily anticipated rookie Andrea Bargnani didn’t exactly wow in his first ACC appearance, but did throw down a monster dunk with three minutes remaining for two of his 13 points.
Raptors fans leapt to their feet with the slam, but undoubtedly will hope for more from the most recent number one overall pick when Toronto hosts the hated Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets on Sunday.
