That’s what TJ Ford called it. Everyone else may have downplayed the notion. Everyone may have been saying there was no revenge factor involved after what happened in May. Everyone may have said it was just another game, #2 of 82.

I say: No way.

You have the believe the Raptors came in to New Jersey with pretty clear memories of what happened in New Jersey a few months ago. Heck, what’s happened in NJ over the past year and a half - six straight losses. You have to believe those memories inspired them as they laid an absolute beating on the Nets last night in Jersey, outscoring them 85-48 after the first quarter.

This was a game the Raps dominated in every way. They held both Jason Kidd and Vince Carter to single digits - combined! They outrebounded the supposedly bigger and stronger Nets by three. Shot 50%, and 60% from downtown. Just 100 per cent mastery.

Now, yes, it is only game two. And you know the Nets will now have revenge on their mind come February, the next time these two play.

But the Raptors exorcised a lot of demons tonight. They proved - to themselves at least - that they can win in this building. They proved that they can, in fact shut down two of the Big Three (Jefferson still scored 27 on 8-14). They proved they can build a lead - and keep it (unlike the other night against Philly). They also proved they can play some good defense; they packed it in inside, didn’t allow Magloire or Krstic to go off, kept Carter out of the paint and Kidd from sparking the transition game.

Carter, in fact, looked horrible. Out of shape and slow. It’s clear he’s still using his offseason training program of doing nothing, and working himself into shape. Either that or he’s hurt, although we know Vince Carter doesn’t play hurt.

The Raps offence really showed what it can do when it’s clicking. A 22-4 run in the second quarter to blow it open, followed by an 18-2 run to start the third, taking the Nets right out of the game. And after a lackluster showing in game one, the bench showed that it’s once again one of Toronto’s biggest strengths in this game. They outscored the NJ bench 29-3 in the first half!

Bargnani was awesome again, draining threes from everywhere, and hitting that nice turnaround in the lane. Much like the Sixers, the Nets just didn’t know how to handle him. Bosh was solid, going 5-7 in 27 minutes. Hopefully the limited minutes will pay off and he’ll be in game shape by the end of next week. His half-court heave was certainly memorable, a mirror image of the one he nailed on Washington last year. That’s always a great way to end a half, keeping momentum in your favour!

Delfino was fantastic this game, he seemed like he was all over the court. Dixon’s played well in the first two games as well; Kapono, meanwhile, still seems to be finding his rhythm. But I don’t mind him starting and Delfino coming off the bench - I like the energy he and Calderon bring to the second unit.

Of course, another great thing about beating the Nets is we get the surly Vince Carter post-game interview, where he tries to pretend that he both A) cares about the loss and B) that even though it’s the Raptors it doesn’t matter. Why doesn’t anyone ever admit that losing to their old team sucks? Well, whatever, I never get tired of the patented Vince Carter “I don’t care” shrug, at least not now that he’s on another team.

Ah, I’m basking. Nothing makes me happier than the Raps beating the Nets. A great win against an arch-rival, and a great confidence booster going into Sunday’s big matchup with the new-look Celtics!