Dwane Casey Toronto Raptors Blob By Erick Blasing

Written by Erick Blasing

Erick and his wife reside in Baraboo, Wisconsin where he teaches social studies at Baraboo High School. In 2016, Erick will begin his first season as a Men’s Assistant for University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County, a two year campus that competes in the Wisconsin Collegiate Conference. Men’s Basketball Assistant; August 2016-Present UW-Baraboo/Sauk County, Baraboo, WI Assistant Coach Boy’s Basketball; May 2015-August 2016 Baraboo High School, Baraboo, WI Head Coach Varsity Boy’s Basketball; July 2011-May 2015 Sparta High School; Sparta, WI Tripled opportunities for K-3rd grade basketball players in 2013-2014 Led team to 4th & 7th most wins in program’s previous 20 seasons. Hired as one of the youngest head coaches in the state of Wisconsin. Varsity Assistant Girl’s Basketball; November 2009 – April 2011 La Crosse Central High School; La Crosse, WI 8th Grade Assistant Boy’s Basketball; November 2008 – December 2008 Riverside Middle School; Watertown, WI Head Coach 5th-12th Grade Boy’s Basketball; October 2006 – March 2008 Monroe County Christian School; Tomah, WI CAMP COACHING EXPERIENCE University of Wisconsin-Madison Tubby Smith Camps, University of Minnesota University of Iowa North Dakota State University Butler University University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Coach Z Hoop Camp by Don Zierdan Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Exposure Camp Snow Valley Iowa Basketball School

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May 27, 2016

Dwane Casey Toronto Raptors Blob By Erick Blasing

What a difference a couple of days make! Head Coach Dwane Casey and the Toronto Raptors headed back home down 2-0 to the Eastern Conference’s #1 seed, Cleveland Cavaliers. Not only were the Raptors down 2-0 but they had been beaten handily in each meeting by a combined total of 50 points (31 and 19 in each game respectively). The Raptors were a team on the brink of being swept and were playing some of their worst basketball at the worst possible time. Here is Dwane Casey Toronto Raptors Blob where they hit a winning shot.

A little home cooking was just what the team needed and they rebounded with two huge home victories. The Raptors stayed alive with a 15 point victory in game three and battled a tougher challenge but prevailed by 6 in Game 4. In Game 4, the Raptors blew an 18 point advantage, eventually trailing the Cavs in the 4th quarter by 6. Key shooting and play down the stretch by Kyle Lowry who finished with 35 points and DeMar DeRozan with 32 points led the Raptors charge.

While 2015-2016 has been a successful season, “We the North”, is hoping for an appearance in the NBA Finals as the culmination of basketball’s resurgence for Canada’s only remaining franchise. Toronto finished the regular season at 56-26, one game behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and good enough for the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The playoffs, however, have not been a cake walk for the team. In their first round matchup, the #7 seeded Indiana Pacers took Toronto to game 7 before Toronto pulled away with a 5 point victory in the winner take all matchup.

Dwane Casey Toronto Raptors Blob

While Game 7 in the Eastern Conference’s Second (Semi-Final) round was anti-climatic, the series was a nail bitter night in and out. There would be a total of 3 overtime games in the 7 game series, before the Raptor eliminated the Heat handily in game 7.

After Cleveland’s massive victory in game 5, it will be interesting to see how the Raptors respond to another elimination game. To stave off elimination, the Raptors will have to improve their shooting from long range. Through 19 playoff games, the team is shooting 42.1% from the field but only 29.7% from three point range. Their team averages of 73.6 % from the FT line and their 16:13 Assist to Turnover average could be a difference maker in their attempt to pull of this come from behind series.

Enjoy the journey,
Erick

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