Swirsky

TORONTO -- An outstanding weekend of basketball at the Air Canada Centre as the Raptors turned back Minnesota and Orlando. The key? Defence. No question about it.

When you're able to play solid D and make opponents work late into the clock you know you've done your job. Keon Clark was terrific against the Magic as was Chris Childs, a no-nonsense type of player, who really stepped up Sunday.

Antonio Davis is playing like an All-Star. He's healthy and averaging nearly a double-double over the last two weeks. He's a flat out warrior and leaves it on the court … period. By the way never, ever take Vince Carter for granted. The guy just keeps on scoring and scoring and scoring.

Antonio Davis is back to playing with last year's skill and determination. Ron Turenne/NBAE/Getty Images

The Raptors get a three-day break before they play their fourth and final regular season game against the Celtics. Boston's one-two punch of Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce is doing some serious damage against the Raps defence.

Walker is averaging 20 points and 8 rebounds in three games against the Raptors but shooting only 34 per cent from the floor. Pierce 's numbers: 21 points against Toronto and 33 per cent from the field.

In the Raptors' last loss to the Celtics, they beat Toronto off the dribble and broke down the Raptors 'defence in the paint. They must do a better job containing Kenny Anderson, he's dished out 24 assists in three games. Boston's team is better because they have a new defensive scheme with the addition of assistant coach Dick Harter. The players have bought into the system and the Celtics are getting it done.

Boston will hit the road for two weeks in February and that will be a severe test for Jim O'Brien's team. Carter has struggled against the Celtics averaging 32% from the floor and 14% from three-point range. This is a team the Raps can beat but again they must stop the dribble penetration.

The Raps then hit the road to take on the Nets, 76ers and Wizards. On Saturday, a rare matinee game in East Rutherford pits the Nets against Toronto. The Raps spanked NJ at the ACC so I can assure NJ wants to get even.

I am delighted Byron Scott will coach the Eastern Conference All-Star squad. I enjoyed him as a player during the "Showtime years" with the Lakers and he's paid his dues as an assistant coach before joining the Nets two years ago.

The Nets are for real and every day they should thank the Phoenix Suns for trading Jason Kidd out East. He's my MVP. I'm not saying he's the best player in the league -- that's Shaq -- but Kidd has saved the Nets franchise. This was an organization going nowhere. Bad decisions, bad contracts, a coaching carousel, injuries, add it up and it was a horrible mix. Kenyon Martin plays with passion and when the Nets are running they are awesome. You can beat this team in a halfcourt set in my opinion. This will be a tough test for the Raps.

After Saturday's game against the Nets the Raps will enjoy Super Bowl Sunday in Philadelphia. I'm sure the players will be watching the game.

I have found the Raptors' players to be extremely intelligent on a number of topics regardless if it's sports, politics or the entertainment industry. Remember we're talking about intelligent, financially secure young people who have a tremendous future in front of them. If they manage their money properly they're set for life.

The game against the Sixers is on Monday and will be shown on Raptors NBA TV. The Raps buried the Sixers in Toronto on November 25, 107-88, in what I think was their best game this year.

On Tuesday the Raptors finish off the road trip in Washington DC against the Wizards. How about Carter and Michael Jordan starting for the Eastern Conference All-Stars? Pretty impressive if you ask me. Washington's Doug Collins has done a terrific job with the Wiz and merits consideration for Coach of the Year honours.

Having MJ on the floor certainly helps but the bottom line is that Collins has brought toughness and a demand for excellence to the franchise. They could have easily gone in the tank, sat back for another seat in the lottery and shot for Duke point guard Jason Williams but they want to make the playoffs.

I would hate to play this team in the opening round for obvious reasons. How many calls do you think Jordan will get especially at crunch time? Just asking. Please don't fine me!

Now some thoughts on the NBA …

If Rashard Lewis is on the block I'll take him right now. Is he a max player? It depends on the cap and the right team I guess. He will get a huge raise over the four million plus he currently earns.

Portland hasn't made a deal yet. Why not?

I love Kevin Garnett's intensity although it's my opinion he should shoot more.

You have got to love the NBA game if you are a follower of the Golden State Warriors.

Aaron McKie is just a solid basketball player, pure and simple.

If I had a vote for Rookie of the Year it has to go to Pau Gasol. My 10-year-old son TC likes Indiana point guard Jamaal Tinsley.

Have you noticed every time the Bucks play the Raptors Tim Thomas has a big game?

I would pay to see a Mavs-Kings playoff series.

Here's hoping ABC will employ Marv Albert to call NBA games.

A huge loss for the Pacers with Al Harrington going down for the season.

Raptor fans are frustrated with the team at times because they care--nothing wrong with that.

If you are a true NBA fan give me your take on the best NBA uniform of all time.

In answer to a few e-mails I receive on this subject, I do make public speaking appearances and love to talk hoops whenever I can.

I like the nucleus of young players on the Rockets team.

Isn't it ironic that three of the most energized and emotional players in the NBA all went to Georgetown? I'm talking about Jerome Williams, Allen Iverson and Alonzo Mourning.

E-mail me with your comments on the NBA at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com

Always a pleasure. Toronto fans are the best!

Chuck Swirsky