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Raptor faithfuls delivered big first win

Rose gets act together, Raps snap losing skid

Mourning for the Heat

Zo gets what he deserves: loud boos and a loss in Toronto

Former Purdue coach brings luck to down dinos

In your faces, everyone

With just over a minute remaining in what was to be the Toronto Raptors first win of the 2005-06 season, the Raptor coaches were seen standing on the sidelines, assumedly trying to contain a new emotion that was not only exciting them, but the 17,504 finger-crossed fans as well. The usual shots of Coach Sam Mitchell with head in hands and agonizing looks of frustration as a result of regular woes, were, this time, replaced by images of remembered success. It was a sight to behold to see Jim Todd, Alex Englsih, and Mitchell all on their feet and side-by-side during that last sweet minute of the game, English even letting lose a smile.

Alonzo Mourning, who was slated to become a Raptor last year, coming over from the Nets as part of the Carter ordeal, was fantastically boo'd on several occassions. The Miami big man showed a lot of audacity when he refused to play for the Raptors last year. Mourning, somehow thinking he had deserved the right to freely choose, wanted to play for a contender. I don't feel sorry for any man, despite any ailment, if he cannot conduct himself with some pride and professionalism in his outrageously compensated occupation. Many years ago, as a young basketball fan, Alonzo broke my heart. I had no idea paying to see the man play a game would sour all previous hailings I had for him. He is a true bitch, and it is my pleasure to have he and his contending team be the first to lose to the redeemed Raps. Eat a big one, Zo. You got worked by Araujo and became the desperate dino's first victim.

I have always said that a true fan must stick it out during the tumultuous times, especially if he is to enjoy the spoils of victory. What a strange thing it is to feel so much emotion - enough to verge on tear-shedding - because of such a pleasant obsession. When the Raps eventually won they stirred a growing cauldron of emotions and lifted the proverbial monkey off of their backs. Now, they can walk with the greatness that they have possessed all along. Now, they can justify standing tall.

Perhaps I am getting too excited and too hopeful for the future, but, I see now, all the Toronto Raptors really needed was a second - and absolutely meaningful - pre-season to get their stuff in order. I would, as an opposing team, take a step back and re-assess this team that has had its first, and most dangerous, taste of things to come.

P.S. Leo Rautins, the Heat cannot win with any help from Zo. They could have gone to him all game and the same result would remain. Sure, he would have mixed things up a little and D-Wade would have had fewer points then he did, but no way would Zo have such a large impact. I swear, sometimes you are a complete moron. Besides, the Raps would have stuck Araujo right back in the game to, yes, I will say it, intimidate the big man. Mourning sucks! Raps rule! And you are walking a fine line!

Comments

[jemp]

The Raptors are making moves biatch! Like how 'bout Mo, Rose et l'Arujo for a couple Heat s and the future rights to Stan Van's coaching off-spring? Sign free agents J. "Big Ocean" Dickens and Tara "When will The Wrensh get the nerve to ask me out?" Boyce and division leaders watch your back...

[Jonathan]

Sonofabitch! You know, just as well as I, that any attempt at the women's court commander would leave me with the same embarrassing results as an attempted "Big Ocean" dunk: a crumpled heap having to be peeled off the hardwood. Not to mention the corresponding potshots by two intoxicated radio commentators.