Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards pull out the win from the Raptors’ jaws

On Thursday, the Washington Wizards hosted the Toronto Raptors. Although Bradley Beal lit up Toronto from the three-point line, it was a team effort as the game was decided with 2.6 seconds left. However, the Wizards were able to close it out, 122-119.

On Thursday, the Washington Wizards hosted the Toronto Raptors. It was the third meeting of the season against the Raptors, who hold the second spot in the East. It was a close game that was decided with 2.6 second left in the game.

This game above all past games this season shows why free throw shooting matters for Washington.

Washington was without John Wall (recovering from knee surgery). He’s expected to miss 6 to 8 weeks. Nonetheless, the Wizards protected home court, beating the Raptors, 122-119.

This marked their third consecutive win without Wall, including taking down the Thunder on Tuesday.

Most importantly Washington looked like they were having fun out there.

Three-point shooting

Washington started off the game a bit sluggish. The Raptors were able to capitalize off the Wizards’ low energy by knocking down four shots from three-point range in the first quarter.

During the second quarter, Norman Powell, a 29 percent 3-point shooter, would have a buzzer-beater from downtown.

The Raptors ended the first half shooting 57.1 percent from the 3-point line, making 8 of their long balls.

While Washington only shot 28.6 percent, making four of their 15 attempts from 3-point range.

The Wizards also allowed Toronto to shoot 56.8 percent from the field. The Raptors would end the half leading 62-55.

The Raptors backcourt of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry only had four points apiece. However, Jonas Valanciunas shot 7-for-8 from the field, and was perfect from the 3-point line, 2-for-2. Going into halftime leading all scorers with 16 points.

While Bradley Beal wouldn’t score a bucket until the second quarter, and it was two made free throws.

Coach Scott Brooks would pick up a technical before they headed to the locker room.

Would Washington make adjustments to protect the perimeter?

Second Half Adjustments

Beal would knock down back-to-back-to-back three-pointers in the first few minutes of the second quarter. After hitting three triples, Raptors Coach Dwane Casey called a timeout, so Beal would cool off.

The Wizards woke up in the third and everyone was locked in. Including Ian Mahinmi who had 10 points and was perfect from the free throw line, 4-for-4.

Otto Porter was also having a great game with 13 points and six rebounds, however he picked up his fourth foul.

Wizards close it out?

The Wizards didn’t slow down going into the fourth quarter and Beal didn’t cool off. However, Lowry and DeRozan, who only had four points each going into halftime, began to heat up.

Jodie Meeks would knock down back-to-back threes early in the final stanza.

However, Toronto would go on a 16-4 run with less than five minutes left in regulation. They would also smother Beal, trying to stop him from taking outside shots. But he was aggressive and would drive in the paint.

With 1:44 left Markieff Morris would knock down a crucial 3-pointer, and the Wizards were up 115-110. Just absolutely beautiful ball movement.

Off a missed Beal jumper, Porter would pull down the rebound. Wizards up 115-112 with 58 seconds left.

After the timeout, the Wizards would miss their shot, but Serge Ibaka failed on his 3-point attempt. Porter would pull down the rebound but he landed on his back.

Porter was shaken up but he was able to make one of his two free throws, putting the Wizards up 116-112.

Toronto gets the bucket, and Porter is fouled again. This time he makes both his free throws. It’s now Wizards up 118-114 with 17 seconds left.

On the other end, Lowry is fouled on the layup by Beal but misses his free throw. Wizards up 118-116.

Porter is there again to pull down the rebound, and Beal is fouled. He makes both his free throws. Wizards up 120-116 with 8.2 second left.

The Raptors would score, now it’s 120-118.

With 2.6 seconds left after getting the inbound pass, Beal loses the ball and fouls Lowry.

Lowry, an 87 percent free throw shooter missed his first free throw.  It’s now 120-119 Washington.

Beal would be fouled and he makes both his free throws to put Toronto away 122-119.

Although the Raptors are fourth in the league in free throw shooting, the Wizards were beautiful from the line, and especially when it mattered.

Washington shot 92.3 percent from the charity stripe. While the Raptors shot 79.2 percent.

In addition to knocking down three consecutive 3-pointers during the third quarter, Beal was dishing out assists. Including this alley-oop to Tomas Satoransky for the dunk heard around the world.

Including their five starters, eight Washington players would finish in double digits.

Beal (27 points and 6 assists), Satoransky (10 points and 4 assists), Porter (16 points and 11 rebounds), Keef (15 points, 7 rebounds and perfect from the free throw line), Marcin Gortat (10 points).

Mike Scott (14 points), Mahinmi and Meeks (10 points each).

The Wizards played like a team and everyone contributed. The extra pass to the player who could make the best shot really helped. They had 30 assists.

On Saturday, the Wizards head to Orlando to take on the Magic.