Road-warrior Raptors win fifth straight by outclassing Wizards
Author of the article:
Frank ZicarelliPublishing date:
Nov 03, 2021 • 44 minutes ago • 4 minute read • Join the conversation
Raptors' Fred VanVleet shoots the ball after being fouled by Washington Wizards' Kyle Kuzma during the third quarter at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2021. Photo by GEOFF BURKE /USA TODAY SPORTS Article content The red-hot Raptors kept rolling in Washington on Wednesday night, sustaining a level of play that has seen the team now win five games in a row.
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Article contentThis drive for five has been manufactured without Pascal Siakam, following shoulder surgery and, more recently, rookie Scottie Barnes. The return of those two will only add to a roster that continues to punch above its weight class.
Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby have filled the void with brilliance, the former producing 33 points on Wednesday as the Raps beat the host Wizards 109-100.
The Raptors have also started the season by winning their first four road games, a first for the franchise.
“We did what we said by keeping them in front, we helped better and we contested better,’’ said head coach Nick Nurse following his team’s win.
These Raptors play hard, they’re unselfish and make enough shots when they have to.
But above all else, these Raptors defend and have a remarkable ability to respond when opponents are forging their expected runs.
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Article contentWhen they play well, the Raptors are capable of manufacturing double-digit leads. When their play slips, those leads are blown.
They nearly blew it against the Wizards, but made key stops down the stretch and the right plays on offence.
Anunoby was spectacular in New York on Monday night with 36 points, and pumped in 21 more in Washington.
When Siakam gets clearance, Toronto will have three solid options. He also provides the Raptors with an extra ball-handler and defender.
Up by 14 and turning the Wizards over with relative ease, the Raptors were at their best in the second quarter.
They even survived a late mini-run to end the half, which would end with the visitors leading 59-48.
The key was Toronto’s defence, which led to run-outs and easy baskets. Washington didn’t make a three-pointer in the period.
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Article contentThe Raptors also did a solid job of moving the basketball.
Four players reached double figures in scoring with eight draining at least one shot.
Toronto extended its lead to 16 points early in the third quarter during a stretch that saw VanVleet score seven straight points.
The win was revenge of sorts for the Raptors after Washington spoiled their season opener at Scotiabank Arena with a 98-83 win, a scoreline that flattered the home side.
Barnes made his pro debut in the loss. The rookie wasn’t in the lineup Wednesday because of a sore right thumb he sustained in Toronto’s win over Indiana on Saturday night. He also missed the team’s 113-104 win Monday in New York over the Knicks and is averaging 18.1 points, 8.9 assists and two rebounds.
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Article contentThe Raptors return home for games against Cleveland and Brooklyn on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
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PRECIOUS MOMENT
Precious Achiuwa’s recent struggles from the field have been well- documented, but what gets lost amid the ugly shooting numbers is his motor and willingness to set screens.
When one goes a combined 3-for-19 from the floor in two games, there are those calling for a change.
Achiuwa was featured on Toronto’s first offensive set in Washington in a two-man game with VanVleet. He made a strong roll to the rim and easily converted on a lob pass for an easy bucket. When he got fouled, Achiuwa converted on both of his freebies. His start to the night also included three rebounds in five minutes as the Raptors jumped out to a 13-7 lead.
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Article contentAchiuwa’s play then regressed. It began with his offence when he picked up his dribble deep in the paint and heaved a wild shot over two defenders.
The opening period ended with Khem Birch on the floor as a replacement. Birch started the second half with the same group that played the entire 12 minutes in the third quarter against the Knicks.
Achiuwa missed six shots in a row after finishing at the rim on his first touch. He got another chance when Birch picked up his fourth foul five minutes into the second half.
O.G., OH MY
Washington was well aware of Anunoby’s career-high night at MSG when he poured in 36 points in leading the Raps over the host Knicks.
When Anunoby caught the ball on the perimeter on Wednesday night, the Wizards sent an extra defender, the ultimate sign of respect. Kyle Kuzma was assigned to defend him. But the one-time Laker left in the second half with a forearm contusion after missing all five of his three-point shots and going a combined 1-for-10 from the field.
On a side pick and roll, Anunoby took it strong to the rim, drew a defender and set up Svi Mykhailiuk, who got fouled and then converted from the line.
WHAT’S THE POINT?
The Goran Dragic watch continues as the reluctant Raptor rides the pine.
He entered the night with the dreaded DNP-CD attached to his stat line for four straight games and ended the night without playing a single minute for the fifth game in a row.
The rumours of Dragic joining fellow Slovenian Luka Doncic in Dallas have not subsided.
fzicarelli@postmedia.com
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