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

John Wall, Keef and Scott

John Wall was explosive to start the first quarter, knocking down three-pointers more effectively than his layups.

He had a double-double going into halftime with 10 points and 13 assists. He was also perfect from the free throw line, 5-for-5.

Wall would finish the game with 23 points and 15 assists. That is remarkable considering he recently returned to the lineup, and he is playing his best basketball of the season.

Markief Morris made his presence known early. He shot 5-for-7 from the field and had 11 points going into halftime.

Keef would finish with 22 points and 11 rebounds, including a three-pointer. This is the Keef that we have been waiting for.

While Mike Scott who had to do double duty was his efficient self shooting 5-for-7 from the field. He had 10 points in 15 minutes headed into the second half.

Scott would finish the game with 14 points. .

The Wizards were aggressive in the second quarter and third quarters, led by Wall’s speed, his ability to control the pace, and drawing fouls.

Wall did everything that he needed to do tonight.

While Scott’s Flagrant-1 against Lowry is not what cost the Wizards this game. It was a costly mistake. However, Washington not defending the 3-point line did.

Not only did the Raptors finally break their Game 1 losing streak, they set a franchise record of threes in doing so.

Toronto shot 53.2 percent from the field and 53.3 percent from the 3-point line in a playoff game.

The Raptors bench also outscored that of the Wizards, 42-21.

While Scott had 14 of those bench points. The remaining 7 points were split between Kelly Oubre and Mahinmi getting two apiece.

Tomas Satoransky only had two points in 12 minutes.

In a fast pace game, Wall can keep up the pace, slow it down and even push it.

But when he’s not on the floor, the second unit has to learn to how to slow it down.

Ramon Sessions, who may not see any playing time, knows how to slow down the offense by at least drawing fouls. Not saying he should get quality minutes, but at least a couple of minutes.

While we’re waiting to see what Ty Lawson can do, once he get his legs from the overseas travel back under him.

Good news is that Kelly Oubre knocked down a three-pointer. The bad news is those were his only points of the game. But he did make a few hustle plays. He just has to concentrate more on defense, and the rest will come.

Yes, Otto Porter gets a pass today. He was questionable to play to begin with, and finished with 9 points.

However, give credit where it’s due, and the Raptors are the number one seed for a reason. They played a good game. The Wizards just have to play a better game on Tuesday.

The Wizards play Game 2 on Tuesday in Toronto.