Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Washington Dominates Toronto Raptors, Beginning Mini Series
Washington Wizards dominated the Kyle Lowry-less Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, as Scott Brooks’ bench had their best performance of the season.
After beating the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, the Washington Wizards traveled to Toronto to play the Raptors on Wednesday.
Cory Joseph stepped in for Kyle Lowry, who was out after having wrist surgery.
The Wizards didn’t have a single free throw in the first quarter, while the Raptors, who are fifth in the league in free throw attempts and free throws made, lived at the free throw line.
But with a strong second-unit, the Washington Wizards would snap their 8-game losing streak against Toronto, beating them 105-96 on the road.
Washington’s bench has best game of season
Normally, Markieff Morris would lead the second-unit to start the second quarter, but with the recent addition of Bojan Bodanovic, he would lead an all-bench unit.
The Wizards’ bench opened up Washington’s lead by 14 and shot 67 percent.
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Jason Smith played well after being inactive for a few games, knocking down his jumpers, and was perfect from the field, going 4 for 4 with 8 points in 8 minutes.
Bogdanovic was on fire from the 3-point line. He also completed a 4-point play after being fouled on one of his made threes.
Bogdanovic, with his catch and release, was perfect behind the arc, 3-3, and ended the half with 16 points.
Washington’s bench was also strong on the defensive end, not allowing the Raptors to score a single point in the second-quarter until the 6:30 mark.
The Wizards’ bench outscored Toronto’s bench 31-3 in the first 23 minutes.
With such good ball movement from the Wizards’ bench, it allowed the starters to get additional rest.
Washington’s bench was also productive to begin the game.
After Ian Mahinmi came in for Otto Porter, who had two quick fouls in the first quarter, Mahinmi had a strong defensive play, rejecting P.J. Tucker.
The Wizards team as a whole had beautiful ball movement throughout the first half.
Washington had 20 assists, while Toronto only had 3. And the Wizards shot 60% from the field, holding Toronto to 36.7% to end the half.
Bogdanovic gets buckets
The once weak Wizards bench has now been strengthened with the recent addition of Bogdanovic. His veteran leadership has fit in nicely into the Wizards’ rotation.
Bo Buckets played with confidence, was aggressive at the basket, and most importantly knocked down six 3-pointers.
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Bogdanovic was an excellent pick up for the Wizards, adding real depth to the bench. Not only is he a key piece for the bench, but he plays like a true starter.
Bogdanovic ended the game to lead all scorers with 27 points in 25 minutes.
Also Bogdanovic’s versatility allows him to play three positions, at the 2, 3, or 4, enabling the Wizards to stretch the defense.
That was a dominant win
After just beating the Warriors the day before, the Wizards showed no sign of fatigue against Toronto.
Washington started and finished the game strong, and thoroughly dominated the Raptors.
The Washington starters were able to, for the first time in a long time, rely on the second unit.
With Bogdanovic leading the team, the Wizards now have a productive bench.
Mahinmi, who was out for most of the season due to injury, didn’t put up any points, yet he wasn’t rusty at all on the defensive end. He crashed the boards with five rebounds and three blocked shots.
After the game, Coach Scott Brooks praised Ernie Grunfeld and the front office for doing a good job putting the bench together with the addition of Bogdanovic.
The Wizards’ offensive efficiency was also extremely good – they only had 12 turnovers, and had a season high of 32 assists.
Four of the five starters had double digits – John Wall (12 points, 13 assists), Bradley Beal (23 points, 3 assists) and Marcin Gortat (12 points, 8 rebounds).
Markieff Morris had a good overall game with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. But Porter went completely cold and was scoreless, 0 for 4.
Following Wednesday’s win, Washington holds onto their third spot in the East, with Toronto sitting fourth in the standings.
If the Wizards can keep up this energy, continue to protect the ball, and maintain their strong bench, they can go to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Next: How Brandon Jennings Will Help the Wizards
The Wizards return home where they will play the Raptors again on Friday.