Swirsky

BOSTON -- The Raps ran out of gas in the fourth quarter against Boston to see their four-game win streak snapped by the Celtics, Monday night at the FleetCenter.

Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker are a potent one-two punch and it will be interesting to see how the Raps defend them in the rematch on January 31 at the Air Canada Centre.

Pierce has really elevated his game and has a nice individual rivalry going with Vince Carter. I'm impressed with the play of Antonio Davis and he's starting to play at the same level that made him an All-Star last year. He's finally healthy and insync.

Antonio Davis has picked it up in the last few weeks. Sam Forencich/NBAE/Getty Images

The Raptors are playing much-better defence which bodes well with forty games remaining in regular season. The Raps finally get a chance to unpack their belongings and settle in for a good week of action at the ACC. I can't say enough about the Toronto fans and their support of the team.

On Wednesday the Knicks come to town for their only regular season appearance. The Knicks had their run, reached the Finals in '99 but age, bad contracts and injuries have created a huge void in talent with this team.

Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell and Marcus Camby are a solid core but it's just not enough. It appears they're headed to the lottery and a major rebuilding project will be underway in the offseason.

I think it's a mistake if they deal Sprewell. New York fans are passionate about their teams but they're also impatient and the clock is running on Don Chaney. Unless the Knicks turn it around in the second half look for the Knicks to make a big splash and hire a "name" coach.

On Friday it's the first of two meetings between the Raps and Timberwolves. There is no question that the Wolves are the surprise of the Western Conference.

Kevin Garnett is having another tremendous year. I love watching him play. He never takes a play off and always, always goes hard. Wally Szczerbiak has elevated his game and can flat out fill it up. Flip Saunders is an excellent coach and deserves consideration for Coach of the Year honours.

Sunday the Magic and T-Mac roll in to town. You know the Grant Hill story. Let's move on and talk about the team for a minute.

Doc Rivers' club is inconsistent. Like a lot of clubs they look good for a week and level off for a few games. I love Mike Miller and Darrell Armstrong and of course T-Mac is an incredible talent.

Even though he has a big ticket I disagree with the Bo Outlaw-Phoenix trade. He gave Orlando so much energy, which the team and fans fed off. I think the Raps can punish this club inside.

A few thoughts...

Check out the fan590.com web site and see how you can win a chance to call game with me.

DQ should thank Mark Cuban for the ton of free pub they received. I'll take a blizzard any day of the week.

Get the Nets in a half-court game and you can beat them. In transition, however, the Nets have as much speed as I've seen any Eastern Conference posses in a long time.

Will Travis Best get his wish and be traded?

If Scott Skiles leave Phoenix he won't have any problems finding a job believe me.

I love the upside of Richard Jefferson.

Houston's headed to the lottery but they have enough good young talent to build on for the future.

If you're Bulls GM Jerry Krause what's your next move?

Will NBA ball work in New Orleans?

The Raps are without a pick in the 2002 draft unless Seattle makes the playoffs.

I would love to see the Raptors and the league come up with a third jersey.

The Kings are a blast to watch.

Will the Nuggets keep or deal Nick Van Excel?

E-mail me with your thoughts on the Raptors at swirsky@torontoraptors.com

Always a pleasure!

Chuck Swirsky