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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards Bounce Back with Victory against the Toronto Raptors

By Garrison Cole

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 5: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors on November 5, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 5: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors on November 5, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 05: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Tim Frazier #8 of the Washington Wizards defends during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 5, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 05: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Tim Frazier #8 of the Washington Wizards defends during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 5, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

The Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal has continued his All-Star season with the Wizards crushing defeat of the Toronto Raptors.

The Washington Wizards bounced back from two straight home defeats to record an important road victory against the Toronto Raptors, 107-96. The Wizards got this win without the services of their All-Star point guard, John Wall, who sat out with a shoulder sprain injury, which he received on Friday while playing against Cleveland.

Enter Bradley Beal. Beal once again lit up the scoreboard, posting a third straight 30+ point performance on 16-26 shooting. He ended the game with 38 points. Get this. Over the last three games Beal has scored 114 for an average of 38 per while shooting better than 54% from the floor.

The Wizards led from start to finish in what was one of their most impressive wins of the young season. They led by as many as 19 and save for a run by the Raptors late in the third and early fourth quarter, they were in complete control throughout.

Otto Porter shined once again alongside Beal, finishing with 19 points, knocking down three from beyond the arc. The Wizards were able to limit the Raptors three point shooting holding the Raps to 5-24 from beyond the arc.

Tim Frazier Sighting

Starting for the injured Wall, Tim Frazier turned in his best performance in a Wizards uniform. It didn’t start well for Frazier as he picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter. However, from then on Frazier was steady.

He had eight assists and zero turnovers while finishing with a +10 when he was on the floor. Frazier has struggled mightily to start the year, but was aided by playing with the starters and by Kyle Lowry getting himself ejected in the first half.

Frazier had two key assists on back-to-back possessions that led to three pointers by Beal and Porter, when the Raptors had cut the lead to three. With Wall still recovering it may be wise to start Frazier again on Tuesday night.

Beal Playing a Leading Role

Through their time together it has been conceded that Wall has been the Wizards’ best player. That’s no slight against Beal, who finally put together a healthy campaign last season and established himself as a force in his own right.

Now, through nine games Beal has been the Wizards’ best player and Porter it’s second. Wall hasn’t shot it well early on and seems to be in a bit of slump. Maybe resting another game will do wonders for him mentally.

Wall had visions of being a MVP candidate this season, but maybe less stress on Wall will mean a better Wizards team when April comes.

Outside of the game against the Warriors, Beal has scored in double figures and excluding the blowout win against Sacramento where the starters didn’t play heavy minutes, he’s scored 20+ in every game. One scarier note on Beal – he’s only shooting 31% from three point range. That number is sure to climb as the season progresses.

Increase in Minutes for Markieff Morris?

Before the game last night, Coach Scott Brooks mentioned that Markieff Morris came out fine after making his debut Friday against the Cleveland Cavilers. It was thought that Morris would stay around 15-16 minutes for the upcoming games, but Brooks said that number has already increased to 21-22 minutes. Morris played 18 minutes in the win against Toronto, tallying 10 points. He’s still working his way back into game shape, but the uptick in game minutes is an encouraging sign.

The Wizards host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

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