The Toronto Raptors faced the Washington Wizards in DC at the Verizon Center, and came away with a 101-88 win. This marks 5 wins in a row for the Raptors, and they are now 16-15 on the season.
The Raptors held a 7 point lead after the 1st quarter, and the Wizards battled back in the 2nd quarter, and closed the gap to 3 points, with the score 46-43 in favour of Toronto at half time. Toronto came out with a renewed focus after halftime. The Raptors seemed determined to not look past the job at hand and get it done. Toronto's 3 point halftime lead was stretched to as many as 23 points in the 3rd quarter. With a 36 point outburst, they outscored the Wizards by 21 points in the 3rd.
The Raptors ball movement was impeccable, find the open man in the corner or at the top of the key. Terrence Ross & Patrick Patterson were often the recipients of these wide open looks. Ross scored 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and Patterson scored 18 on an extremely efficient 8-10 shooting, including two 3-pointers of his own.
Kyle Lowry had another fantastic game, and earned another double-double with 19 points, 11 assists, while adding 5 rebounds. This was Kyle's 4th double-double in last 5 games, but Kyle has also posted games of 23 points & 9 assists, and 22 points & 9 assists, in the two games preceding his first double-double of this recent stretch. All that to say, he's REALLY been playing well since mid December!
DeMar DeRozan posted another 20 point game, which is his average on the season, but he was very effective; shooting 50% from the floor in the game on 7 of 14 shooting, and making 6 of his 7 free throw attempts. Like Kyle, he also contributed 5 rebounds. Amir Johnson got in on the action offensively, and posted one of his better stat lines during this Raptors' winning streak. Johnson put up 17 points (on 8-12 shooting), 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in a true all around performance.
The Raptors limited Wizards' star point guard, John Wall to 11 points, on 4-15 shooting. The last time John Wall faced the Raptors he scored 37 points! The Raptors made the adjustments to challenge him defensively and limit his transition basket opportunities.
Wizards' forward, Trevor Ariza was ejected half way through the 3rd quarter after arguing a call and having too much to say to the officials. He picked up back-to-back technical fouls, and Veteran NBA referee, Joey Crawford, promptly showed him the door for the evening.
As a team the Raptors shot 50% from the field AND also from 3 point range, going 11 of 22 from 3, on the night. The other trending statistic that Toronto has shown as of late continued again in this game. The Raptors had 29 assists on 40 made field goals…amazing team basketball, and selfless play.
Up next, Sunday…THE HEAT! (In Miami, 6pm ET tip off)
(Photo credit: NBAE/Getty Images)
Postgame Interviews:
Terrence Ross:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
z78oa0OCyAs[/youtube]
Kyle Lowry:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
gUlYvCjrV2E[/youtube]
Dwane Casey:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
O5NwzzKD_Rc[/youtube]
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