The Raptors took Game 5 from the Washington Wizards, 108-98. Toronto now leads the series, 3-2. However, it’s not over as the two teams head back to D.C.
The Washington Wizards lost to the Toronto Raptors, 108-98. However, Toronto didn’t take Game 5 in dramatic fashion. Rather it came down to a battle of wills and mental toughness.
The Wizards strength is an inside game. Yet, they were jacking up shots early, when singles would have done.
Bradley Beal said before the season started, that he wanted to be known for more than his outside shooting.
For the regular season, he did just that. He was aggressive to the basket, running through defenders.
However, in Game 5, he relied more on his outside shooting. He finished with 8-for-20 from the field.
Yes, Beal made three shots from 3-point range. However, the final three-pointer was more of a practice shot, because the game was all but decided at that point.
Mr. Beal, please start driving to the rim again.
The Raptors are an outside shooting team, and they play to their strengths.
The Wizards shouldn’t change who they are. They are a physical team that takes it to the rim. Play to your strengths.
Of course they have outside shooters—Otto Porter, Markieff Morris and Mike Scott.
However, only one of these players, has a reliable shot right now—Scott.
That is not a knock on anyone, it’s just how the pieces of the chessboard are moving right now.
Porter at the beginning of the season, was whom I believed would be lighting up teams in the postseason.
However, there were times he wasn’t on the bench, as he was loosening up his hips on the bike.
Porter’s teammates know him better than anyone else. So if he wants to sit on the wings to knock down shots, make it happen.
You have to play with the team you have, as well as around the injuries that only you know about.
Everyone else on the Wizards knows how to make a layup. You’re either going to make the basket or get a foul—or both.
The one thing that Washington didn’t do collectively in Game 5 was be aggressive at the basket.
They relied on too many Hail Mary shots very early in the game, and desperation shots to close out the game.
Don’t change who you are. Drive to the rim, get the rebound and take it to the rim again. If you want to kick it out, do so judiciously.
You’re not going to beat Toronto in a shootout.
However, the Wizards aren’t going to get beat when they drive to the basket.
Every Wizards player, except Porter, should be taking it to the hole. Don’t let Toronto have it easy defending you on the outside. Make them work.
Think about it. You’re taking hard shots and giving them an easy defense, when you resort to outside shooting.
Stop giving your shots away for free, start making them pay.
The Wizards strength is on the inside—that is who you are. That is who you need to be.
No more smiling for the cameras, or showing the world your new range. You’re not out there trying to get an award for your image.
Don’t try to change your spots now. There was a time not too long ago when you were hated.
Start battling in the paint.
Move the battle from the outside to the inside.
You played their game, it’s now their turn to play yours.