FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS ON RAPTORS/NETS-GAME 2 1. www.nflbearsus.com/Womens-Kyle-Fuller-Authentic-Jersey/ . MATCHUPS: Its really fun to watch both head coaches move around the chess pieces and create situations where they get their better players in scenarios where they have the supposed upper hand. Its fascinating stuff to key in on and its the essence of NBA hoops. Been impressed with both coaching staffs preparation and attention to detail. Plays out of timeouts from both sides have been well scripted and the amount of details flying around in both huddles is evident. As a former coach, I really enjoy and respect this aspect of these games. 2. LANDRY FIELDS: Totally agree with this move and I said it the other day. Hes the most capable defender that they have in the Joe Johnson matchup due to his size, strength, athleticism, smarts and overall range. Hes a guy you can play for a possession or two at the four-spot as well to match Paul Pierce. He made a big impact on Tuesday night in spite of not scoring. Ive said it many times before - yes, he has limitations but hes a winning player that does the little things that teams must have to get over the hump. A true pro just like so many of the guys on both of these teams. 3. TURNOVERS: Toronto has 40 in just two games - at home! To be tied 1-1 in the series after that youve got to feel really fortunate. You do that on the road and this series will be over quick. Nets defence in the half court has been sensational. Multiple help and amazing communication and coverages. Raptors must realize that the Nets are incredibly help-conscious and play on that and look to create their help and then get rid of the ball quick to the next guy and keep them on the run and prevent them loading up on the guy with the ball. Must be a whole lot tougher with the ball and play through contact. Not going to get the whistle-deal with it and be that much better. It can be done. Move the ball side-top-side and make the defence cover. Better spacing, screening, ball and player movement and inside-out play are imperative. 4. BENCH USAGE: Jason Kidd goes with 11 guys and Dwane Casey with eight. Different styles. Considering that both teams didnt play from Saturday afternoon until Tuesday night and you would think you would load up your starters minutes, yet Jason Kidd wants his team all in on every possession defensively so no plays off. No right or wrong answer here, just interesting to watch the points of emphasis on both sides play out. 5. CROWDS (both inside and outside ACC): Wow! My goodness, I have goose bumps just typing this. Im so proud of the fans and feel so happy for them that theyre getting to experience this. Blown away by the enthusiasm and atmosphere. Toronto is making a major statement that its a major league hoops town and that this country is embracing this sport more and more each day. The singing of the Canadian national anthem by the fans is awesome - it chokes me up. Been working as a Raptors broadcaster for the past 16 years and have seen all of the good and all of the not-so-good. Your loyalty to the Raptors and the growth of the sport are truly appreciated. Im so fortunate to be a part of it. This has been remarkable to watch develop over the years. Enjoy - you deserve it. Will Sutton Navy Blue Jersey . - As the birdies mounted during Saturdays third round of the Viking Classic, it looked as if Chris Kirk could do just about anything he wanted at Annandale Golf Club.nflbearsus.com/Womens-Will-Sutton-Authentic-Jersey/ .J. Green and Calgarys Brad Sinopoli have bested their earlier opponents to go head-to-head in the second semi-final match. BALTIMORE -- An uncharacteristic performance by the Baltimore Ravens defence was offset by an uncommonly effective outing by Joe Flacco and the teams oft-criticized offence. Flacco threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, rookie Torrey Smith had six catches for 165 yards, and Baltimore moved into first place in the AFC North with a nerve-racking 31-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Playing without middle linebacker Ray Lewis for the first time in 58 games, the Ravens (7-3) nearly blew a 17-point lead in the final 14 minutes, yielded 483 yards and let rookie quarterback Andy Dalton throw for 373. But Baltimore got 104 yards rushing and two touchdowns from Ray Rice, and the defence made big plays when it counted most. After Rice was stuffed on a third-and-1 with just over two minutes left, he remained confident. "I just looked at the clock and I said, Our defence will get it done," he recalled. "Thats the faith I have in our guys." Even without Lewis, who watched from the sideline after being placed on the inactive list with a toe injury. The Ravens spiritual leader and leading tackler saw his unit pick off three passes and turn in a game-saving goal-line stand in the final minute. Down 31-24, Cincinnati reached the Baltimore 7 before Terrell Suggs collared Dalton, who was called for intentional grounding. On fourth-and-goal, Dalton was sacked by Pernell McPhee. The Bengals (6-4) needed seven points because on the previous series, an apparent 9-yard touchdown pass from Dalton to Jermaine Gresham was overturned by a replay that determined the receiver didnt hold onto the ball at the end of a juggling catch. The Bengals settled for a field goal with 5:32 remaining. "When the receiver went to the ground, he had the ball in his right hand," referee Ron Winter said. "The ball touched the ground and his hand came off the ball." Baltimore is locked in a first-place tie with Pittsburgh in the AFC North, but the Ravens own the tiebreaker by virtue of their two wins over the Steelers. "No. 1 in the division, thats huge," Suggs said. "Now were the master of our destiny." The Ravens won in part because of Smith, whose 165 yards were third-most by a receiver in Ravens history. He might have had more if Adam Jones didnt grab hold of Smiths long dreadlocks at the end of a 28-yard completion in the second quarter. Jones was initially flagged for a horse-collar tackle, but officials corrected themselves and did not mark off any yardage because its legal to tackle a runner by pulling his hair. Even though it wasnt a banner day for the Baltimore defence, its three interceptions set up two touchdowns. "Whenever we can get turnovers, it definitely makes everybodys job easier," cornerback Cary Williiams said. http://www.nflbearsus.com/Womens-David-Fales-Authentic-Jersey/. "Its just being able to capitalize on opportunities, and we did that today." Dalton went 24 for 45 with a touchdown. Cincinnati was without standout rookie wide receiver A.J. Green, who hurt his right knee a week earlier in a loss to Pittsburgh. But the Bengals gave Baltimore all it could handle. "Weve won six games to this point and well win some more," coach Marvin Lewis said. "Weve just got to circle the wagons, lick our wounds and go." One week earlier, the Bengals came up short in rallying from a 14-0 deficit against Pittsburgh. It was more of the same against the Ravens. "It comes down to the fourth quarter. Thats how every games been for us," Dalton said. "Weve got to start faster. We cant wait around until the end of the game to pick it up, come out and get back in it. Its definitely going to be a focus for us." Baltimore took a 24-14 lead on a 2-yard run by Rice late in the third quarter. The score came after Ravens rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith picked off a pass and returned it 16 yards before fumbling. The loose ball was recovered at the Cincinnati 2 by teammate Brendon Ayanbadejo in a pile that included Winter. The Bengals following possession ended with an interception by Lardarius Webb. On the next play, Torrey Smith split the Bengals two-deep zone and caught a 38-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone to make it 31-14. The Bengals responded with a five-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 49-yard touchdown pass from Dalton to Andre Caldwell, who slipped behind Jimmy Smith down the right sideline. But the Ravens held on, rebounding after a 22-17 loss at Seattle last week. Baltimore has won 12 straight following a defeat. "Its good to bounce back," Suggs said, "but lets not take any more steps back." The Bengals punted six times in the first half, two short of their season high for an entire game. Cincinnatis offence managed only 143 yards before halftime, 47 of those on one play. On the Bengals second possession, wide receiver Jerome Simpson made a juggling catch for a 47-yard gain to set up a 7-yard touchdown run by Cedric Benson. The Ravens didnt get past midfield until early in the second quarter, following a 15-yard punt by Kevin Huber. Starting at its 45, Baltimore picked up a first down before Flacco tossed a short pass to Anquan Boldin, who ran the final 20 yards for a 35-yard touchdown. NOTES: Former Ravens kicker Matt Stover was inducted into the teams Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony. ... Ravens LB Jarret Johnson made his 74th consecutive start, breaking the franchise record previously held by Michael McCrary and Jamie Sharper. ... Baltimore has won seven straight at home and 15 of 16. ' ' '
