RAPTORS: JERSEY-BOUND, LOADED UP AND RUNNIN', THEY'RE GONNA DO WHAT THEY SAY CAN'T BE DONE

Thoughts in the wake of the Raptors' series-tying 89-83 win over the Nets in Game 2 (see liveblog):

• The hype about the raucous crowds at ACC being a sign of a nascent Raptors Nation which can compete with -- or even overtake -- Leafs Nation is bunk. That tack suggests that Toronto still isn't a mature sports city. If it was, you wouldn't have these attempts to play one fanbase off against another, all this bailliwicking.
  
  The din that was heard over the past two games is likely that of a younger, more diverse (in senses that go beyond the standard StatsCan demos) generation of sports fans who have a different consciousness about sports and are equally invested in the Raptors, Leafs and Blue Jays. That's what a truly mature sports town is like. Look at Boston with the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins (at least when they latter two weren't laughingstocks).
  
  Not to project, but a lot of fans who are in their 20s and 30s don't worship the Leafs ahead of all over teams. They watch the ticker on The Score just as closely for the NBA and NCAA results, or the European soccer scores, as much for NHL highlights, and you get to see that at Raptors games since working people under the age of 35 can actually afford to go the games in groups of more than two people.
  
  Having this series be against Vince Carter helps, but it's showing there's a large element in Toronto who can go as crazy for the Raptors being in the playoffs as the Leafs, although there's no question who's an unquestioned No. 1 forever and always.
• That Chris Bosh fourth-quarter block on Richard Jefferson made every highlight reel, and of course on the ensuing fast break Anthony Parker (25 points) swished a three-pointer to complete a five-point swing in what was a one-possession game until the final 10 seconds. Who didn't get back on defence to pick up Parker? Vince Carter.
• The first half and portions of the second was Lawrence Frank's personality (term used loosley) coming through -- his Nets looked more studied and poised. Since victors write the history and everyone needs an angle that's evident when on deadline, an obvious spin is Sam Mitchell shepherded the Raptors through the valley of darkness in the fourth quarter. The Nets' superior preparation, though, was ignored -- and remember, Frank has two more off-days before Game 3 on Friday.
• Biggest reason the Nets are using a zone is to save Jason Kidd's legs. The T.J. Ford-José Calderón tag team is running him ragged, while backup Nets point guard Marcus Williams has been rubbish.
• Not to get overconfident, but yeah, there's no reason Toronto shouldn't come home ahead 3-1 in the best-of-7 series. There won't be the same tension, the same vibe that they've probably been unable to ignore at home. They'll go down to New Jersey, stay in some nondescript suburban hotel, and play without distractions. The energy will flow much smoother and cleaner, and they should win big. You'll see.
• (UPDATE: Scott Carefoot of RaptorBlog, a Smitch critic, delivers a balanced tribute to the coach of the year.)

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.