FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS ON RAPTORS/NETS-GAME 2 1. 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. Cheap Brandon Ingram Jersey . Sundays game against the Colorado Rapids at B.C. Place Stadium has important implications in determining Major League Soccers playoff picture and will also mark the final game in the career of veteran South Korean defender Young-Pyo Lee. Cheap Vlade Divac Jersey . -- Augusta James of Bath, Ont. http://www.cheaplakersjerseys.com/?tag=c...z-wagner-jersey. The Cottagers last victory came in a 2-1 home win over West Ham when Rene Meulensteen was still in charge. Since then, a miserable run of seven defeats and two draws has seen the club part with the Dutch coach and replace him with German Felix Magath. 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"It was more playable than I thought," he said. "I think that made a big difference mentally, that you feel like there are actually some birdies out there, not only bogeys." So much was made of the new look at No. 2, which was restored to its old look from more than a half-century ago. There also was plenty of talk that this U.S. Open would be as tough as any U.S. Open. When he finished his final day of practice Wednesday under a broiling sun, Kaymer was asked what it would take to win. "I said plus 8 because the way the golf course played on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday," he said. "But obviously, they softened the conditions a little bit so it was more playable. So hopefully, Im not right with the plus 8. I would be disappointed." Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell took the conservative route on his way to a 68 that featured 15 pars, one bogey, one birdie and one eagle. He was joined by Kevin Na, Brendon de Jonge and Fran Quinn, a 49-year-old who last played a U.S. Open in 1996, when Tiger Woods was still an amateur. "This was a golf course where I spent the last few days just preparing myself mentally for the challenge, really, knowing that this golf course wasnt going to give much and it was only going to take," McDowell said. "Im assuming they put some water on this place this morning. And we were able to take advantage of that a little bit early on and actually think about getting at some of those flags." Brandt Snedeker, who had a chance at 30 on his front nine, had to settle for being part of a large group at 69 that included 20-year-old Jordan Spieth, Henrik Stenson, Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson. The 15 players to shoot in the 60s were the most for an opening round at the U.S. Open since 24 players did it at rain-softened Olympia Fields in 2003. Phil Mickelson, in his latest quest to win the one major keeping him from the career Grand Slam, shot a 70. He was among the early starters, who received additional help by cloud cover that kept moisture in the greens. Mickelson doesnt expect Pinehurst to be any easier the rest of the week.dddddddddddd "There was some low scoring out there -- some good scoring, I should say," he said. "Anything around par, its usually a good score." Masters champion Bubba Watson was among the exceptions. He shot a 76 and said, "This course is better than me right now." Graeme DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., is already well off the pace after shooting 75. The sun broke through shortly before noon and began to bake the course, though not enough to stop Kaymer. He watched some of the tournament on television in the morning, and he was particularly struck by the sight of Stensons 6-iron into the par-3 15th only rolling out a few feet. Kaymer expected it to roll off the green. "Last night I thought that its going to be very, very firm in the afternoon," he said. "But actually, it was more playable than I thought." Not everyone was able to take advantage. Defending champion Justin Rose had a 72, making his bid a little tougher to become the first repeat winner in 25 years. Adam Scott, the world No. 1 who has been formidable in every major the last two years except the U.S. Open, had a 73. Scott wasnt about to panic. Pinehurst only figures to get more difficult. "You know how its going to be at the end of the week," Scott said. "Were going to be looking at even par, or something around that." Kaymer picked up four birdies with relative ease -- three wedges to inside 3 feet, and a high draw with a 3-wood to about 20 feet on the par-5 fifth for a two-putt birdie. A few longer putts at the end really dressed up the score. He hit a 6-iron at the flag on the 16th hole and made a 12-foot birdie putt, and then hit another 6-iron at the par-3 17th to about 10 feet for birdie. Kaymer tied the course record with a 63 in the opening round when he won The Players Championship last month, ending a drought of some 18 months. That only boosted his confidence, and the 65 on Thursday only adds to it. Even so, he realizes its only one round, and that the course probably wont be so kind or gentle the rest of the way. "I would have never expected myself to shoot such a low round at Pinehurst ... but its a good round of golf," he said. "I wasnt expecting it. Im not freaking out about it. Its the first round of a very, very important tournament. I put myself so far in a good position, but we have three rounds to go. The golf course can change a lot. "If other people want to make more out of it, its fine," he said. "But for me, its a great start into one of the most important weeks of the year." ' ' '