Raps Deliver In Game 3...

April 25, 9:36 a.m. A spectacular crowd greeted the Raptors for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series and the Raps delivered. For those who watched game three on TV I hope you enjoyed the presentation. It was a special night. The noise level was easily top five in the history of the ACC. I can think of the 2001 playoff series against Philadelphia. Game four of the 2002 series against Detroit. Vince Carter's first trip returning to Toronto as a member of the Nets and last year's game one of the playoffs against NJ. The crowd was revved up BEFORE the opening tip. They supported Ford, Calderon, Kapono and Bosh. They jeered Dwight Howard. The U.S. media is noticing as well, courtesy of SI.com: "The Raptors owe some serious props to the red-clad, flag-waving Air Canada Centre crowd, a lively and organized assembly which maintained a high-decibel level and gave their players the best home-court advantage they could possibly expect. The atmosphere resembled a European soccer match during stretches -- somewhat appropriate given Toronto’s melting-pot makeup -- with the fans singing and chanting and standing the entire time while rooting their players to victory." The point guard play of T.J. and Jose was sensational as Ford destroyed Carlos Arroyo in the first half. The Magic are holding their breath after Jameer Nelson suffered back spasms near the Magic locker room after the game. His availability for game four is unknown although he told reporters he was feeling better afterward. Dwight Howard had another double-double but this one was quiet. Yes, he got his dunks but he also turned the ball over six-count, ‘em six times. The Magic three-point shooting has deserted them after a magnificent first quarter in game one. Big State: Orlando's three point shooting percentage past eleven quarters: 26%. Rashard Lewis, Orlando's 126 million dollar man is 3 for 18 behind the arc. Hedo is 1-9. The Raps scored in a variety of ways. Moon with a double-double. Kapono continued his excellent play off the bench. Delfino was strong. The Raps took it to Orlando and didn't need a huge night from CB4. Sam Mitchell has taken plenty of heat but give the coach credit for going small ball. It worked. Now Orlando must adjust. This is going to be a long series. Game four is crucial. The Magic want to go back to Orlando up 3-1. The Raps certainly want a win to even the series and grab momentum. Once again, the crowd was incredible and it was a pleasure meeting so many of you before the game. Next game: Saturday at 3PM on The Score. The Raps invite you to attend a tailgate party Saturday starting at 1 on Bay Street just outside Gate two of the Air Canada Centre. Other NBA notes... The Wizards hammered the Cavs. Houston stunned the Jazz. Larry Brown wants to pursue a head coaching job in the NBA or College (Stanford). He stepped away from his front office position with the 76ers. Ron Artest underwent thumb surgery. I don't expect him to opt out. I can see him being traded, though. Former Raps assistant Craig Neal may be returning to the NBA as an assistant coach under Scott Skiles in Milwaukee. My concerns over the Jays continues to grow. Please don't tell me Chipper Jones is 36. Frank Thomas, we hardly knew ya. What a way to close out a Hall of Fame career. The D-Backs look like an NL Champ to me. Are we headed for a Wings-Montreal Cup Finals? Thoughts on the Raps/NBA...E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call me at 416-815-6189