RAPTORS: Carter Answers Back

Carter Answers Back

by Tony Care, Raptors.com

Postgame Instant Replay
Toronto 102, Philadelphia 78
Game 3, Eastern Conference Semifinal
May 11 at Air Canada Centre

No matter what happens for the rest of this series one thing is for certain: Vince Carter will get his points. That much was obvious after the incredible performance that saw him explode for 50 points Friday.

On a night when Carter remarkably hit his first eight three-point shots, the Raptors beat Philadelphia 102-78 to take a 2-1 series lead and maintain home-court advantage.

After Game 2, in which Allen Iverson scored a career playoff-high 54 points, Carter answered back in Friday night's game as if to tell the Sixers' star, "I can do anything you can." His unbelievable shooting set two NBA playoff records and tied another. He was so open from three-point range at times that it must have seemed like he was playing by himself.

Quote of the Game
"Vince had that look before the game and you could see that he was totally focused."
Lenny Wilkens

In front a boisterous crowd at Air Canada Centre, Carter put on a shooting clinic in the first half. He made eight straight three-pointers and converted the most three-point field goals in a half (8), both NBA records. He tied Rex Chapman's record of nine three-pointers in a game and broke his own franchise record by scoring 34 points in a half. He also shot a mind-boggling 65.5 per cent from the field going 19-29.

"He was sensational," said Raptors Coach Lenny Wilkens. "Vince had that look before the game and you could see that he was totally focused. He put on an incredible show especially in the first half. He was outstanding on both ends of the court. When you got it going like that it's very difficult to stop a player."

When Carter wasn't scoring, he was feeding his teammates for open shots and he also played terrific defence.

"I was feeling good," said Carter. "I was feeling confident in my shot more than anything. I was just trying to get my feet set and they were just falling for me tonight. It was just a great feeling to get in a zone like that and the team still played well. When you're winning, all the right things happen at the same time."

It was baffling to watch Philadelphia defend Carter at times. Both Aaron McKie and Iverson gave Carter too much room to shoot from three-point range. Even after Carter made his first three shots; he didn't garner any more attention.

"Vince is just quick," said Wilkens. "Sometimes a defender can't get there. You can try to, but if you come too close he's going to go right by you. So it's not as easy as it looks. It's a lot more difficult when you're out there."

Sixers Coach Larry Brown made the adjustment at halftime to match George Lynch against Carter, but all that did was allow the young Raptors star to drive to the basket for easy layups

"I thought we were outhustled and outcoached tonight," said Brown. "I didn't think we were ready to play and that's my fault. Our execution was terrible."

The Sixers don't play the same suffocating defence that the Knicks do. In Games 4 and 5 of the first round when he finally broke out of his playoff slump, he had to fight for every point he got. He faced constant double-teams and the Knicks forced him to use his teammates more.

The Sixers are not double-teaming Carter. They're using the same strategy the Raptors are doing with Iverson. They are conceding that Carter will get his points and are playing tougher defence against the rest of the Raptor players. But much like they did in Game 1, Carter's teammates came through.

With Dikembe Mutombo patrolling the middle for Philadelphia, Carter won't be driving to the basket as much in this series. However, with the way the Sixers have been defending him to this point, Carter will gladly take his chances with his hot shooting.

Player of the Game

VINCE CARTER
Carter led the Raptors with 50 points on 19-29 FG shooting (9-13 3FG), with 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 blocks.

Key Stat
69.2% -- Vince Carter's three-point shooting (9-13).

Line of the Game
Vince Carter First half three-point shooting -- Vince Carter 8-9.

Top Highlight
In the fourth quarter, Jerome Williams drove for a monster dunk over Dikembe Mutombo that brought the crowd to its feet.

Hustle Board
Team	RB	ST	BLK	TOT
PHI	37	8	7	52
TOR	43	7	10	60

Leaderboard
	Toronto		Philadelphia
Davis	Points: Carter - 50 Rebounds: Davis - 14 Assists: Childs - 10	Iverson	Points: Iverson - 23 Rebounds: Mutombo - 9 Assists: Iverson - 8