Washington Wizards: Keys to Game 3 for Wizards v. Raptors

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 06: Bradley Beal #3 and Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards talk during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Verizon Center on February 6, 2017 in Washington, DC.Ê 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.Ê (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 06: Bradley Beal #3 and Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards talk during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Verizon Center on February 6, 2017 in Washington, DC.Ê 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.Ê (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Wizards are down 0-2 against the Toronto Raptors. Tonight, the Wizards are looking to protect homecourt and secure Game 3. The following are keys to the game.

The Washington Wizards are down 0-2 against the Toronto Raptors. Tonight, the Wizards are looking to protect homecourt and secure Game 3.

After Thursday’s practice Brooks said, that the ‘team has to have a better start in the first quarter. All five guys have to lock in defensively.’

He added, that they ‘have to do better job defending them at the 3-point line, and make them miss. We also have to grab the offensive rebounds.’

Brooks hinted after the Game 2 loss, that Mike Scott may start. However, on Thursday, he said, they still haven’t decided on whether ‘they’re going to make a change or not.’

Although the postseason is a different season, where teams up their level of play, Washington hasn’t done so yet. They are keenly aware of that as John Wall admitted, they have not ‘not been playing their best basketball’.

But getting a better start is only a start for Washington locking down tonight’s game.

Regular-season game 3 holds an answer for Game 3

Looking over the four regular-season between these two teams, the third game really stuck out. Both the Wizards and Raptors were knocking down threes.

However, that game came down to the wire and the difference-maker were free throws in the final moments of the game.

The Wizards narrowly defeated Toronto, 122-119. All things being equal on both sides, Washington had the upper edge because they shot 92.3 percent from the charity stripe. While Toronto only shot 79.2 percent.

The equal being the Raptors made 12-for-29 from 3-point range, while Washington was 10-for-30. So the two were pretty matched up from deep.

But the Wizards being able to get to the line made all the difference.

Get to the free throw line

The free throw line separated not only the two teams in the finals seconds, allowing Washington to narrowly pull out the win, but also throughout the game.

Bare with me a second. Markieff Morris was perfect, 6-for-6, from the charity stripe. Likewise Bradley Beal was 6-for-6. Porter, 3-for-4. Ian Mahinmi, 4-for-4.

While Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas only made 2 free throws–combined.

Marcin Gortat was the only starter who didn’t see the free throw line. But he had 10 points in 26 minutes of play.

While Mike Scott had 14 points and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes.

So not only should Wall get to the line tonight, but so should all Wizards starters and most of their second unit. Just like they did in that regular season matchup.

Because even if it’s a duel at the three-point line, the Wizards can gain ground attacking and getting to the charity stripe.

An argument can be made that Wall isn’t getting to the line as much as he should. But they can control only what they can control. What’s in their control is their ability to attack the paint.

Attack the Paint, Protect the Rim

Not only driving to the rim, but protecting the rim is a must. Washington also outrebounded the Raptors, 44-32 in that game.

Porter led all players with 11 boards. While Keef and Gortat had 14 boards between them (7 apiece).

Beal had 6 and Tomas Satoransky had 3.

Every Wizard player who suited up that night had a rebound except Tim Frazier.

Pause. Beal pulled down 6 rebounds in a game with Ibaka and Valanciunas.

Grabbing those boards and kicking it out to shooters is key. But putbacks will do just fine as well, so Gortat take it to the rim.

All Wizards starters finished in double-digits along with Scott and Mahinmi. Everyone attacked that game.

The Raptors play an outside game. The Wizards are better on the inside. If Washington can own the paint (offensively and defensively), and defend the perimeter then Game 3 is theirs.

Brooks isn’t tipping his hand till close to tipoff. However, the Wizards should shouldn’t run-and-gun in the first quarter. They should drive to the basket.

Of course, the Wizards have to match Toronto’s firepower. But that Raptor will have less fire, once the Wizards start getting to the free throw line.

In addition, once Porter gets hot, they can also use him as a decoy, and still own the paint.

Keys to the game–Getting to the free throw line, good start in the first while conserving energy, don’t be predictable and grab a rebound.