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Bosh, Raptors overwhelm undermanned Wizards

Feb 1, 2007 - 4:29 AM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors were happy to see Antawn Jamison on the sidelines.

Bosh controlled the paint, collecting 34 points and eight rebounds, and Jose Calderon had a career-high 24 points and dished out 11 assists as the Raptors used a stellar shooting performance en route to a 119-109 victory over the undermanned Washington Wizards.

Entering Wednesday's contest tied with New Jersey atop the lowly Atlantic Division, Toronto took care of business with Washington missing one of its top scorers.

"Everyone has been saying that we are playing eight good teams (before the All-Star break)," Bosh said. "We have to concentrate and lock in on the next seven games because we want to be in a .500 or better position at the All-Star break because after that the intensity is going to turn up."

The Raptors shot a blistering 59 percent (48-of-81) from the field and 9-of-22 from the arc to secure the victory.

The Raptors defeated the Wizards for the second time this season, edging them 116-111 on January 7.

"We match up well against Washington. We give them a lot of problems," Bosh said. "It would be good if we could continue to do the good things against the other good teams in the East. This gives us confidence, but in order for our confidence to continue, we need to beat other good teams."

Missing a member of the highest scoring trio in the NBA, the Wizards struggled without Jamison, who sustained a sprained left knee in Tuesday's matchup with Detroit. He is set to have an MRI on Thursday.

"We have to continue to play hard and execute our offense," Washington forward Caron Butler said. "It's not going to be one guy who is going to replace Antawn. It's got to be a collective effort. Jarvito step up and play key roles."

With Washington hurting, Bosh shot 15-of-19 from the floor, including a desperation three quarter-court shot to cap a season-high 43-point third quarter for Toronto, which entered the final period leading 97-80.

"I just had to find my rhythm," Bosh said. "I had a couple of open looks at the basket and then missed a couple of free throws. Most guys would just put their head down and get in a slump, but I just decided to keep shooting."

Once he got hot, it seemed as if Bosh could not miss.

"When Bosh is shooting like that, there is really nothing you can do," Wizards center Brendan Haywood said. "He was hitting shots with a hand in his face, spinning fadeaways. When a guy shoots the ball like that, you just tip your hat to him and try to do better against him next time."

Calderon was 10-of-13 from the field and 4-of-4 from the line but made his biggest impression as a playmaker, setting up his teammates for easy shots all night.

"Jose's done a spectacular job," Bosh said. "He's getting better and better every game. It's amazing how far he has come along."

Calderon praised Bosh for the team's stellar play.

"I'm feeling really comfortable with the way we are playing," Calderon said. "We know that he is our best player, and we expect (great play) from him."

Superstar Gilbert Arenas scored 27 points for the Wizards, who shot 49 percent (36-of-73) to absorb just their second loss in their last nine games.