Wizards drop Game 1 against Ibaka and the Raptors

Washington Wizards: Wizards drop Game 1 to surging Ibaka and Raptors

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards dribble spast Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 14, 2018 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON- APRIL 14 – Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) battles under the basket with Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) as the Toronto Raptors open the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Washington Wizards with a 114-106 victory at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. April 14, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Wizards have to take a risk

Marcin Gortat got into foul trouble so early in the first quarter, it disrupted the Wizards offensive and defensive flow. The Wizards had to play from behind, and that’s something they haven’t mastered.

It was a collective team loss. However, rim protection has been the Wizards weakest link this season, and it’s too late now to address it.

But they can always adjust. Therefore, the Wizards may have to take a risk and move Mike Scott and start him at center. At least to open the first quarter.

If they want to reinsert Gortat to close out the first stanza that’s fine. But Washington has to have momentum to begin these games against the top-seeded Raptors.

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