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February, 5th 2008

T.J. Ford got a hug from Jose Calderon and a hearty ovation from Larry Tanenbaum, the Raptors' minority owner seated courtside. And with no further ado, in a half-empty arena in a game that was a blowout from the get-go, Ford resumed his NBA career precisely seven weeks and six days since he was taken off an Atlanta court on a stretcher.
Ford's 18 minutes in Toronto's 114-82 win over the Heat weren't particularly spectacular or game-changing, although his baseline dunk in garbage time brought his teammates to their feet. But considering Ford's performance came on the heels of just one practice with his teammates, the point guard's work was surprisingly competent.

"Back like old times," said Chris Bosh, the Raptors all-star, of Ford. "I knew he was down in Houston working hard ... and it's really paid off."

Sam Mitchell, the Raptors coach, had previously theorized that Ford would need about a week of practice before he could return to the floor. But Ford's tenure in Houston, where he spent the previous few weeks working with John Lucas, the former NBA coach and player, put him ahead of that schedule.

And so with 9:55 remaining in the second quarter, Ford checked into the game. By evening's end, he'd racked up four points and four assists.

"I did not anticipate playing on this trip. The purpose was to be around the team, get a couple of practices underneath my belt, but I wasn't quite sure how things were going to go," said Ford.

"I think the performance speaks for itself."
On his first possession, Ford ran the offence patiently and, setting a foot into the paint, found the back-cutting Jason Kapono with a heady bounce pass that led to a layup.
It was a brief glimpse of the vital role Ford is expected to play in reinvigorating the Raptors' second unit, which has struggled since Calderon took over Ford's duties as the starting point guard.

Ford, who had missed the previous 24 games (in which the Raptors went 13-11), provided more of the same in the fourth quarter, when he zipped a cross-court bullet to Kris Humphries, who corralled the pass for the easy two.

As good as the point man looked, Mitchell said Ford will need patience to rediscover his skills. "I know T.J. ... I've been around him a long time, and he's still a ways away," said Mitchell. Just two seasons removed from their 2005-06 championship run, the Heat, who've lost 19 of their past 20 games, are possessed of the league's worst win-loss record.
And the Raptors took advantage of the sub-elite company.

Early in the game, Andrea Bargnani drove baseline and tossed down a reverse dunk, looking as gazelle-like as he ever has. Bargnani finished with 22 points in 33 minutes. Bosh led the visitors with 24 points in 34 minutes. But the effort was collective, with 31 Toronto assists on 44 field goals.

"Our guys were rested. We had a couple of days off, got a little sunshine, got a little warmth," said Mitchell.

"It seemed like we had a little more pep in our step. ... We would be hard-pressed to play much better."
By: Dave Feschuk
Sports Columnist
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source: Thestar.com
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