By the end of the game, the Raptors were reminded that the Spurs have a few other very good players — namely Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson. Ginobili had 36 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four blocks as the Spurs utilized a strong fourth quarter to post a 131-124 victory.

Jefferson, who was acquired via trade from the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, had 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. George Hill and Matt Bonner also chipped in with 22 points and 18 points, respectively.

For the Raptors, it was a case of the defense simply not doing enough. They allowed the Spurs to score more than 30 points in each quarters, including 38 in the decisive final stanza. On offense, Toronto was led by Chris Bosh’s 32 points. Hedo Turkoglu had 20 points for the Raptors, while Andrea Bargnani had 17.

With the win, the Spurs are now 3-3. The Raptors fell to 3-4 with the loss.

Gregg Popovich has to be happy with the Spurs victory (Image: Zuma Press)

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After the game, Carter was confident that he could bounce back quickly. In fact, he’s aiming to return on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors — another of his former teams.

In the first one and a half games of the 2009-10 NBA season, Carter has been very good. He’s shooting 55% from the field and has hit 5-of-8 three-pointers. The only players averaging more points than Carter are Dwight Howard (20.5 points) and Ryan Anderson (16 points).

The 2-0 Magic were also undefeated in the preseason. Even though they made the NBA Finals last year, they brought in Carter in an attempt to improve their roster. With a healthy Carter, the Magic should be able to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics for supremecy in the Eastern Conference.

Vince Carter - Orlando Magic (Image: Zuma Press)

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Vince Carter Injury Info – Sprained Ankle

The 31-year-old Voskuhl played 38 games last season with the Toronto Raptors. In 6.3 minutes per game, Voskuhl averaged 0.9 points and 1.6 rebounds. He’s also played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls in his 9-year career.

Voskuhl’s chances of making Dallas’ final roster appear to be remote. He’d have to beat out a player with a guaranteed contract. The most likely scenario is if Tim Thomas doesn’t recover in time from his offseason surgery … or if there is a trade.

This season, the Mavs face a pivotal campaign. They’ve made a number of big moves — namely the trade for Shawn Marion — and they need to see results early. If not, Mark Cuban and the rest of the Mavs management might blow it up.

Jake Voskuhl - Dallas Mavericks (Image: Zuma Press)

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Jake Voskuhl Signs Deal with Mavericks

The 25-year-old played his college basketball at George Washington and was once upon a time a very highly regarded prospect due to his fantastic athleticism. However, his skill level has taken a while to match his ability to run and jump very well at 6-foot-10.

With the Spurs, Mensah-Bonsu averaged 5 points and 3.4 rebounds in three games. In 19 games with the Raptors, he averaged 5.1 points and 5.4 rebounds.

The Rockets likely view Mensah-Bonsu as a player who can help out at center. With Yao Ming expected by many to miss the season, Mensah-Bonsu’s size and athleticism should come in handy. His rebounding, specifically, will help him make the team and contribute if he’s given playing time.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu - Houston Rockets (Image: Zuma Press)

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Pops Mensah-Bonsu Signed by the Rockets

Carlos Delfino - Milwuakee Bucks (Image: Zuma Press)

Last offseason, Delfino signed with a team in Russia after not getting the deal he wanted in the NBA. In the 2007-08 season, he averaged 9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Raptors in 23.5 minutes per game.

With the Bucks, Delfino should get a lot of playing time. Milwaukee traded away Richard Jefferson and lost Charlie Villanueva to free agency. The 26-year-old might not start but he’ll at least be one of the first players coming off the bench.

Johnson is a 22-year-old power forward with a lot of talent. But after given many opportunities to win more playing time last year with the Detroit Pistons and failing to take advantage, his stock around the league fell drastically. This was the second time he’s been traded this summer.

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Carlos Delfino Traded to the Bucks

Belinelli has showed the ability to score at the NBA level. Last season, he averaged 8.9 points in only 21 minutes per game. He shot 44.2% from the field and 39.7% from beyond the three-point line. The rest of his game, especially on the defensive end of the court, remains a work in progress.

With the Warriors, Belinelli likely wasn’t going to get much playing time. In Toronto, there’s a good shot for him to get significant minutes. Having chemistry with fellow Italian Andrea Bargnani will likely help his case.

As for George, the Warriors could use him as a veteran leader who can play multiple positions. Or Golden State could opt to waive George. Last year, George averaged 3.4 points per game while playing for the Dallas Mavericks.

Marco Belinelli traded to the Raptors (Image: Zuma Press)

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Toronto Raptors Trade for Marco Belinelli

He played for the Raptors in the 2006-07 and the 2007-08 seasons. Last year, he played with the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 6.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game last season. For his career, the 33-year-old has averaged 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 22.8 minutes per game.

With the Raptors, Nesterovic is expected to come off the bench. Although he isn’t the fast player around, he’s a good defender who protects the rim well. On the offensive end, he has a decent jumper and an underrated post-up game.

Toronto has had a busy offseason. Their biggest moves have been the acquisitions of small forward Hedo Turkoglu and point guard Jarrett Jack. Considering that Chris Bosh becomes a free agent at the end of this upcoming season, this is a big season for the Raptors organization.

Rasho Nesterovic - Toronto Raptors (Image: Zuma Press)

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Rasho Nesterovic Signs with the Raptors

According to multiple reports, the Dallas Mavericks will receive Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries and Greg Buckner in the deal. As part of the trade, Marion will receive a five-year deal worth almost $40 million.

The Grizzlies will reported receive Jerry Stackhouse, Quincy Douby and approximately $2 million. The Raptors are said to be getting Antoine Wright and Devean George.

Marion is far and away the biggest name in this trade. In Dallas, Marion will likely play small forward in a starting lineup that will feature Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard and Marcin Gortat.

With the other teams in the Western Conference stacking up with talent, the Mavs have now remained in the mix by re-signing Kidd, signing Gortat and trading for Marion.

Shawn Marion Traded to the Dallas Mavericks (Image: Zuma Press)

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Although the Raptors can pay him a little bit more — reportedly about $53 million instead of $50 million — it sounds like the city of Toronto was the main selling point. Turkoglu and his wife reportedly like Toronto’s international flavor and that was the turning point.

For the Blazers this is obviously bad news. Turkoglu would have fit perfectly at the small forward position. Next to Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden, Turkoglu would have made the Blazers a championship contender. Now with Turkoglu off the board, they’ll probably turn their attention to someone like David Lee of the New York Knicks or Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers.

With the Raptors, Turkoglu will join Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon. That foursome should be enough to make a major push for the playoffs.

Hedo Turkoglu Raptors (Image: Zuma Press)

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Turkoglu Changes Mind, Headed to Toronto

Allison Mathis, the girlfriend in this ugly legal battle, says that Bosh planned to get hitched and even wanted her to get pregnant so bad he even paid for fertility treatments. But seven months into her pregnancy he decided to leave the relationship and stopped supporting Mathis.

Mathis also claims that Bosh’s daughter has only seen him twice, both times in hotel rooms when the Raptors were in town. At the first meeting, Bosh even Twittered about the experience, saying, “I’m on top of the world right now” and “I’ve seen the new light!”

Actually I think the “new light” is about to shine, what with a court battle and all.

Bosh’s camp is denying these charges.  However, this could explain why his play has been up and down this past season.

Image: Newscom

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