Toronto Raptors: Three Stars from Game One

By Kevin Nimmock | Apr 18, 2015

The Toronto Raptors kicked off the 2015 playoffs on a rough note, earning a disappointing 93-86 loss to the Washington Wizards. While the game was defined by poor play from both team’s guards, there were some solid performances on both sides. Though many thought game one would be a point guard duel, it became much more of a battle of the role players. Let’s look at today’s three stars.

Third Star- Nene Hilario

Nene’s performance was indicative of a huge reason for why the Wizards triumphed over the Raps: rebounding. Nene grabbed 13 rebounds, catching missed shots more than any other player on the floor. He used his 260-pound frame to his advantage, muscling his way into position. His most impressive stat was his seven offensive boards, which helped create a ton of extra opportunities for his teammates. For the record, Nene averaged only 5.1 rebounds per game this season. Talk about coming alive under the brightest lights.

More from Raptors News

All-in-all, the Raptors were out-rebounded 61-48. It’s hard to win when the other team is constantly getting second-chances. Nene, showing his veteran leadership, set the tone early with key boards when his team was struggling to hit anything. He made the Raptors’ bigs look silly all night.

Second Star- Greivis Vasquez

Apr 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Greivis Vasquez (21) reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 93-86. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Vasquez had a lot of work to do practically on his own today. He was the only guard for the Raptors who shot even remotely well. While he wasn’t a stunner, he did knock down 10 points on 4-6 shooting, including a huge late-game three to help the Raptors get to overtime. His main positive contribution came from playing solid, trustworthy minutes as a replacement for the embattled Kyle Lowry, who fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Vasquez’s presence on the court was actually an improvement for the Raptors. He moved the ball around well, helping to get Lou Williams and other shooters open for good looks. Though he didn’t have an answer for the Wizards during the overtime period, his 31-minutes off the bench were some of the finest played by any Raptor today.

Third Star- Paul Pierce

Pierce is no one’s favourite trash talker, but he backed up his words impressively during game one. Earlier in the week, Pierce had said that the Raptors don’t have the “it” that makes teams scared. While this statement is nothing more than contrived hogwash, Pierce did show that he wasn’t scared. He earned a game-high 20 points on 7-10 shooting from the field, and 4-7 shooting from 3-point range.

Pierce simply did what he does best: making opposing defenders play at his pace and employing a myriad of moves to get open for shots. He has a lighting quick release, and was able to find good looks from practically everwhere on the court. Right from tipoff, it was clear that Pierce was going to be the game’s best player, not showing any rust in his twelfth trip to the playoffs. Pierce played hard, earning the win for his team in enemy waters.

More from Raptors Rapture

Home/Raptors News