16
TORONTO — Sam Mitchell is sticking with T.J. Ford.
The Raptors head coach confirmed Ford would start in Toronto's playoff game against the visiting Orlando Magic on Thursday, ending speculation around the point guard position.
"T.J. Ford is going to start, that's not even an issue," Mitchell said after the morning s shootaround. "He's just got to come out and be aggressive and play and he'll be fine."
The Raptors were trailing the Magic 2-0 heading into Game 3 of their best-of-seven opening round playoff series, giving up double-digit leads to Orlando in the first quarter of both games.
Raptors forward Chris Bosh argues a call with official Derek Stafford during Game 1 of the first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic. Toronto is down 0-2 to the Magic heading into Game 3 Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Related Articles
Mitchell had said he would change the lineup, and was mum on the other four starters Thursday. Before the game, he announced that rookie Jamario Moon would hold on to his starting position.
Ford struggled in both games in Orlando, and had a couple of costly turnovers in the first quarter of Game 2, finishing with 11 points on 2-for-17 shooting. Backup point guard Jose Calderon sparked a Raptors' rally en route to an 18-point performance.
"Sometimes you hit a rough patch but we're home, we're in our environment, [Ford's] attitude is great today, and you've got to have a short-term memory in this game," Mitchell said.
Ford said he was happy to be back in the friendly confines of the Air Canada Centre.
"Just having an advantage being at home, in a comfortable environment . . ." Ford said. "At the end of the day, I still feel confident, I don't think I lost my confidence, it's just a matter of making shots."
Raptors all-star Chris Bosh said it's crucial for Ford to have a strong Game 3, at both ends of the court.
"We need T.J. When he's playing well, and he's knocking down shots and finding teammates, he plays a lot better defence," Bosh said. "Everybody plays better defence when you're on fire on offence, because you just feel like that. I think if he just plays the basketball we know he's capable of playing, he can really help us out.
"He has to stay aggressive . . . T.J. really has to look for his offensive game tonight."
