RAPTORS: SPENDING FRIDAY NIGHT IN JERSEY IS ACTUALLY A WELCOME THOUGHT

Thoughts following the Raptors' 98-96 series-extending victory over the Nets in Game 5 (see liveblog, preview):

• If Vince Carter hadn't pranced in expecting a foul call on a layup bid during the second half and instead had taken it to the rim like he meant it, this series might very well be over. It was a critical miss, and a good non-call -- the refs generally don't give it to you unless you drive with some gusto.
  
  What was with Carter passing off to Bostjan Nachbar for a three-pointer in the final seconds with the Nets only down by two? It's so typical of Vince to dosomething which falls under the guise of being a team player but is actually selfish -- going for the win instead of the tie (especially since the Raptors would have been dead meat in overtime with no point guard).
  
  Question: Anyone feel that Kobe Bryant does anything there but make the shot or draw contact and make the free throws?
• Another little play that loomed large later: Richard Jefferson misses a three, the Raptors run the floor and Morris Peterson hits a three in transition for a six-point swing.
• Some columnist might want to run with this: Andrea Bargnani had his first big playoff game on the same night that his German analog Dirk Nowitzki finally played like a MVP against the upstart Golden State Warriors, scoring 12 points in the Mavs' decisive 15-0 run.
  
  Like his paisan Jason Spezza with the NHL Senators, the gifted/cursed Bargnani (17 points, including 13 in the opening quarter) took on key defensive responsibilities in the late stages, forcing Jefferson to pass off and miss from the baseline on back-to-back possessions.
  
  (UPDATE: And how bad was The Big Dirk going until those last three minutes? Bill Simmons pretty much nails it, and explains how.)
• Forget the near-collapse, which was hard to stave off since the Nets played well, both Raptors point guards, José Calderón and T.J. Ford, were injured and Chris Bosh couldn't get in the game due to all the foul calls. The way the Raptors fought to hang on at the end was a sight to share with all the semi-holy, smarmy haters whose gut reaction is always to scoff at the Raptors and the NBA in general.
  
  Sending the series back to New Jersey will lead a few more people to come around and let this team into their heart. No one's asking anyone to push hockey aside for the Raptors, just make time for both. That's all anyone is asking.
  
  Game 6 might be a write-off if Calderón (career-high 25 points and eight assists) and Ford are limited. It might be a write-off already, but at least the Raptors got a win that validates all of us who have the sincerity to care about a silly little basketball team.
• No word of a lie, I wondered early in the fourth quarter if an injury might lurk for Calderón since he was extended to 38 minutes (he usually plays 20-22) due to Ford's absence.

(UPDATE: Ryan McNeill at Hoops Addict also has a column on the game.)

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