Wizards 105 – Raptors 96: score flatters

Mar 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) plays a ball as Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) defends during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Washington Wizards won 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) plays a ball as Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) defends during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Washington Wizards won 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Raptors were in this game after 12 minutes, and out of it after 18. The Wizards smoked the home team with hot shooting, then coasted to a win.

In a departure from their recent pattern, the Toronto Raptors began last night’s game in a respectable manner, and used a late Q1 burst to tuck in front of the visiting Washington Wizards. However, that competitiveness quickly evaporated. In a humiliating stretch of Q2, the Wiz buried every shot they took en route to a 26-1 run. I’m hard-pressed to remember a worse half-quarter.

Toronto’s offense, which we knew would struggle without floor-stretchers Kyle Lowry and Terrence Ross, was hopeless under pressure. In particular, the second unit took it on the chin. Norman Powell, who can’t make layups, was minus_19 in one quarter – and so were Patrick Patterson and P.J. Tucker.

Fred VanVleet couldn’t slow the Wizards onslaught, and was minus_14 in just over 3 minutes. How is that even possible?

Feb 26, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) reacts after receiving a technical foul during the fourth quarter in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) reacts after receiving a technical foul during the fourth quarter in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of negative results, DeMarre Carroll had a donut in 29+ minutes of futile effort. Jonas Valanciunas wasn’t quite that bad, though he flubbed his chance to establish his outside shot. Marcin Gortat gave JV room, but our centre couldn’t take advantage, and finished 3 for 12.

The Wizards recently acquired Bojan Bogdanovic for bench scoring, and their modest investment in him has paid off generously already. He missed just 1 of his 7 3-ball attempts (including a 4-point play in the disastrous second quarter). Bogdanovic was seldom troubled by defensive pressure. The Raptors didn’t bother with silly ideas like contesting jump shots, so Jason Smith (I wish I was kidding) was able to hit all four of his foul-line Js.

Coaching a mystery

Don’t be fooled by the seemingly competitive score, folks. This game was a disaster on both ends of the floor. Yet for all the failed effort by everyone, coach Dwane Casey kept Lucas Nogueira on the bench, again. I wish I had some insight on why Bebe is so firmly planted in the doghouse.

More bad data…no assists for the Raptors in Q3. Of course, with only 4 field goals scored (19% shooting), assists will be at a premium. Toronto missed their chance to get back in the game, as the Wizards were also frosty following the break.

The final quarter was the Raptors’ best, which is damning with faint praise. After making a pitiful 2 long balls in 36 minutes, they hit 5 of 8 tries, including 3 makes from Serge Ibaka. Finally, Powell emerged from his major funk with 16 points. Results in garbage time (the Raps were down 22 to start) should not be given much credence.

Conclusion

While I dislike overstressing defense, the Raptors must do so. With so little reliable shooting on hand, their offense is going to have lengthy droughts like they did on this ghastly night. The only way Toronto will stay in games is if they force turnovers, contest shots and grab rebounds. All those will lead to broken-floor opportunities. For the time being, the half-court sets are likely to flounder.

Let’s hope tomorrow night’s rematch in Washington proves more competitive.