Raptors recap: Pascal Siakam leads wire-to-wire win over poor Wizards defense

The Toronto Raptors were able to handle business in Washington, and pick up a much-needed win against the Wizards. In a game that saw Kyle Lowry return to the lineup, Toronto was able to grab control early on, and wouldn’t relinquish their grasp. Mostly due to the continued scintillating play of Pascal Siakam.

The Raptors’ offense throughout this road trip has been nothing short of high octane. Toronto scored more than 120 points for the fifth straight game, which ties a franchise record. During the first half against the Wizards, Toronto was able to contain Washington, especially the NBA’s leading scorer in Bradley Beal.

Beal was held to only 13 first-half points and wasn’t able to find a rhythm due to the pressure of the Raptors defense. Beal isn’t a player that you can completely stop, but limiting his production on offense is the key to handling the Wizards with ease. Toronto did just that and was able to get ahead by 12 to end the first.

It quickly became a game of runs. A frantic pace equated in both teams making mistakes and allowing the other to capitalize on the other end. Just when it seemed that the Raptors were about to break the game open, Wizards head coach Scott Brooks called a quick timeout that shifted things in Washington’s favor, as they came out the timeout going on a quick 10-0 run.

The Raptors maintained their composure, however, and were able to respond with a run of their own, which resulted in a 13-point halftime lead. They held onto their lead in the second half.

Dynamic duo for the Raptors push them to victory

Norman Powell and Siakam were key contributors to the Raptors’ offensive onslaught. Siakam finished with 26 points and four rebounds, while Powell finished with 28 points and 7 rebounds. The scoring load that they were able to carry kept the Raptors ahead despite the many attempts of a run that were made by the Wizards.

Opening the fourth quarter, former MVP Russell Westbrook scored eight points in the first four minutes to cut the Raptors lead to six. However, Toronto consistently stopped any momentum that the Wizards had started to accumulate. A key factor to the Raptors’ offense was the outstanding play of DeAndre’ Bembry.

Bembry only finished with 10 points and 3 assists, but stats don’t do justice to just how good he was on the court. His ability to control the tempo and allow Lowry to play off the ball was extremely underrated, and his court vision helped keep the offense flowing. Without Yuta Watanabe and OG Anunoby, Bembry gave the Raptors major minutes off the bench.

The game remained within striking range for the Wizards, but the clutch play of Siakam was the edge the Raptors needed to pull away. Siakam, who has been on a roll as of late, was able to get whatever he wanted.

Toronto never looked back and just took over late. Leaving Washington with a win was huge as Toronto will now face the Boston Celtics on the second night of a back-to-back.