Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Turnovers and Raptors’ Bench Bite Wizards

By Garrison Cole

WASHINGTON, DC -  MARCH 2: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 2, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  MARCH 2: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 2, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  MARCH 2: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 2, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  MARCH 2: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 2, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

In the midst of their toughest stretch of the season, the Washington Wizards fell to the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors at The Vault, 102-95.

In the midst of their toughest stretch of the season, the Washington Wizards fell to the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors at The Vault, 102-95. The loss was the second in a row for the Wizards after two impressive victories against the Cavaliers and the 76ers.

DeMar DeRozan led Toronto with 23 points. The Raptors impressive depth was on full display in the victory. They are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Now let’s get to the takeaways.

Wiz Developing Turnover Problem

Against the very best teams in the association, taking care of the ball is paramount. The Wizards committed 17 turnovers against the Raptors leading to 27 points off those turnovers. That can’t happen. Tomas Satoransky committed six of those turnovers as he was constantly hounded by defenders. Head Coach Scott Brooks noted after the Warriors defeat on Wednesday evening that the Wizards turnovers were an issue—they had 16 turnovers in that game. They’ve had at least 16 turnovers the last four games and with this being the toughest part of their schedule, it’s a problem they are going to clean up quick, fast, and in a hurry.

Otto Porter Shines Again

After posting 29 points and 10 rebounds against the Warriors on Wednesday, Otto Porter was once again a force for the Wizards. The efficient Porter had 24 points on 9-for-12 shooting from the floor.

He showcased his whole repertoire on Friday, including his improving ability scoring off the dribble. Porter has definitely shined in the absence of John Wall. Over his past 10 games, Porter has five 20+ efforts. Taking it a step further, since Wall went out Porter is averaging just a shade less than 20 points.

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One of the many things pundits and analysts alike have said about Wall. is that when he returns is he must trust his teammates more than what he’s shown in his games this season. Porter must continue to be a player the Wizards lean on when Wall returns. Porter is too good and too efficient to not be a part of the game plan going forward. It’s up to Wall and Brooks to keep him involved and engaged as the Wizards are a more potent and dangerous team when he is.

Raps-Wiz Season Series Offers Some Foreshadowing

At the moment currently, the Raptors lead the East and the Wizards sit in fourth place. This means that if both were to advance they would meet in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and looking ahead it’s hard to gauge how a seven game series would go.

The two teams split their four meetings this season, each winning once at home and on the road. However, one can imagine that the games will look totally different with a healthy Wall in the fold. Wall missed all four games which makes the Wizards two victories over the Raptors that much more impressive.

One thing you can take away from the four contests is that the Raptors bench is legit. They outscored the Wizards’ bench 50-15.

Known Wizard killer C.J. Miles had 20 points, 17 of them coming in the second half. Miles hit six three-pointers on the night and they were all way behind the arc.

The Raptors are sixth in the league in bench scoring, third in bench minutes, and number one overall in bench net rating. They are young and athletic off the bench and that will be something the Wizards must contend with if that playoff matchup comes to fruition.

The Wizards continue their stretch of playoff quality opponents on Sunday, when they face the Indiana Pacers who sit just behind the Wizards in the standings at fifth.

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