NBA Playoffs 2015: Washington Wizards Consistency On Defense, Rebounding Is Key vs. Toronto Raptors

The Washington Wizards did not make the “leap” that fans were expecting them to make this season. Despite finishing one of their best seasons in franchise history, Washington’s 2014-2015 campaign could’ve been considered a disappointment.

The additions of Paul Pierce, Kris Humphries and DeJuan Blair were supposed to solidify the Wizards’ spot as a top playoff team. While they didn’t finish the season with home court advantage, like many had predicted, they were consistent in two areas: Defense and rebounding.

Randy Wittman‘s club has never been known for their ability to score the ball, and quite frankly, the Washington Wizards will never become an offensive juggernaut under the Bobby Knight disciple. They have, though, been a top-10 defensive team ever since Wittman took over for Flip Saunders in 2012.

His archaic offense will continue to frustrate the fanbase, but Wittman’s focus on defense and rebounding could potentially help Washington make a strong push in the NBA Playoffs.

Let’s face it: After the somewhat disappointing season, it’s difficult to credit Wittman for anything positive. After all, he’s the reason why the team has struggled to compete against the league’s elite. But if we’re going to give credit where it’s due, then we have to look at the two keys that helped Washington get the Game-1 victory in Toronto.

Wizards Play To Their Defensive Identity

Prior to the beginning of the series, everyone focused on the battle of the East’s best back courts.

Whoever wins the battle of the back courts – John Wall, Bradley Beal or Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan – will ultimately lead their team to a series victory.

Both duos carry their respective teams on both ends of the floor. Wall and Lowry, in particular, set the tone for their teams both offensively and defensively.

In Game-1, Wall and Beal combined for a horrific shooting night. They made just 11 of their combined 41 field goal tries.

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Needless to say, neither player shot the ball well, but more importantly, they stayed aggressive throughout the entire game.

Toronto’s starting back court combined for just 8 of 30 shooting from the field.

The Washington Wizards seem to prefer a low-scoring, ugly game, and that’s exactly what they got against the Toronto Raptors.

It’s easy to look at the stat sheet and dismiss the back court’s performance, but unlike Toronto’s guard duo, Wall and Beal did all of the little things that are necessary to win ball games.

The Wizards had the fifth best defensive rating in the NBA during the regular season, continuing their excellence on that end of the floor, while the Raptors took a significant dip defensively. The Raptors had the 9th best defense in the NBA last season, just one spot above Washington, but fell to 22nd this year.

Toronto’s offense remained one of the best in the league, but in the playoffs, the better defensive team typically gets the edge.

In Toronto, Wall and Beal took their defensive assignments personally and shut the opposing back court down.

Dwane Casey’s club has struggled in the NBA Playoffs and their offensive prowess doesn’t seem to carry over when they need it the most. They completely folded in overtime during Game-1, and the Washington Wizards cruised to victory.

Side note: Really, DeMar DeRozan? Keep taking contested shots, then.

Unless something unexpected occurs, the Wizards will remain the better defensive team. Their struggles on the offensive side has been talked about, but their defense has truly become elite.

Winning The Battle Of The Boards

Besides their tenacious defense, the Washington Wizards seem to have a significant advantage in the rebounding department over the Toronto Raptors.

Their traditional, big man lineup, has allowed the Wizards to win the battle of the boards in most instances this season, including their three meetings against the Raptors.

Here’s a look at the rebounding differentials against Toronto, including Game-1:

• November 7, 2014: Wizards +1
• January 31, 2015: Wizards +6
• February 11, 2015: Wizards +13
• April 18, 2015 (Game-1): Wizards+13

After Washington’s win on Saturday afternoon, the Raptors recognized their key deficiency, which turned out to be rebounding.

Given their lack of success in terms of rebounding against Washington, I don’t think much will change going forward.

Toronto will go as far as their guards can take them. Their big men have been disappointing this season, and Marcin Gortat, Nene, Drew Gooden, and even Kevin Seraphin have taken advantage. In Game-1, Nene grabbed 13 rebounds in just over 21 minutes of action. Gortat added 8, and Gooden/Seraphin combined for 14 off the bench.

The Raptors succeed when they play small, but Wittman might have solved that problem by playing Wall, Beal, Otto Porter, Paul Pierce, and another big man.

If the Washington Wizards could continue their consistency on the defensive end of the floor and rebounding, they should have a great shot to advance to the semi-finals.

The two teams will clash tomorrow night at 8:00pm EST. Defense and rebounding will continue to be the keys to victory.

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consistency on Defense and Rebounding