(Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Last season, the Washington Wizards swept the Toronto Raptors in a four-game series in the playoffs. The games were all very close, ultimately coming down to the final minutes. At that time, the Wizards made quite the statement and it left a very bad taste in Toronto’s mouth. Last night the Raptors showed that they were out to recapture their pride and reputation, securing a decisive 97–88 victory against Washington.
Washington outscored Toronto in the first quarter 26–18, but it wasn’t long before things started to go downhill. Two Raptors; guard DeMar DeRozan and guard Kyle Lowry, dominated the game and the Wizards never recovered that first quarter lead. DeRozan logged a season-high 34 points and Lowry finished the night with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Both teams went into the half tied 47–47.
The Raptors returned in the third quarter with a vengeance, going on a 22–6 scoring run. At the end of that period, they maintained a 12-point lead against Washington.
Ultimately it was missed shots, turnovers, and a less-than-commanding performance of Washington’s defense that allowed the Raptors to break away and take complete control of the game.
Head Coach Randy Wittman was not at all happy after the game.
“The last three games we are take off periods of the game,” he said. “Whether it’s a whole quarter or a part of the quarter, we take shortcuts. We try to take the easy way out. We don’t make hustle plays. Then, we get back in and try to play hard. The last three games, we’re not committed for 48 minutes.”
This season the Wizards have had much to overcome. The team has been understaffed a majority of the time with major injuries. Even now, guard John Wall’s play seems to be a step behind. He is on the court every game however, playing through injuries and trying to lead the team. The point guard looks to be playing with a little fatigue even now.
Despite his issues, Wall is hugely responsible for much of any success the team has. He led the team in scoring with 21 points and four assists against Toronto. Throughout the game, Washington had 19 turnovers and seven of them were the All-Star’s.
Guard Otto Porter, who has been really stepping up lately, followed slightly behind with 16 points.
Guard Ramon Sessions had 14 points and center Marcin Gortat finished with his 16th double-double this season along with 12 points and 10 rebounds.