In the same stadium that last season came to an end the Toronto Raptors faced off against the Washington Wizards. The two teams met in the Eastern Conference play-offs with Washington running out 4-0 winners. Tonight it was a Raptors team with the momentum of a three game win streak against the ailing Wizards who were on a 3 game slide of their own. Unlike last season’s play-offs this time the Raptors got it to go. Taking a win, 84-82 on the back off a huge night from Kyle Lowry and a Cory Joseph buzzer beater.
Fast forward to the final moments of the game.
Raptors down 80-76 and Kyle Lowry hits a big 3 to put the Raptors within 1 still with just over a minute to play. Washington’s John Wall goes to the line and hits both free-throws putting the lead to 3 for the Wizards. 82-79
The Raptors seemed to have only one last ditch effort to tied the game however DeMar DeRozan was fouled on a drive with 5 seconds to play.
He drained both free-throws and put the game within one – 82-81.
John Wall is then immediately fouled and goes to the line.
He misses BOTH of his free-throws and DeRozan swoops in with the rebound. Only 3 seconds remain when Dwane Casey calls the timeout.
Next play…THIS happens:
.@Cory_Joe wins it! Props to Casey. pic.twitter.com/BAEhXCRzeA
— Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) November 29, 2015
Ball game. 84-82. Raptors.
The Raptors now move to 11-6 closing the gap in the tight Eastern Conference while Washington fall to 6-8 with another tough loss.
Offence: B
When it mattered it was there although in the end the team only put up 84 points. The ending was great but chances were wasted throughout the evening in a game which saw the Raptors give up 22 turnovers. DeRozan showed up in the end but let’s just say was late to the party while Lowry carried the team throughout scoring 27 points and keeping the Raps in it. Cory Joseph was key for the reserves taking 9 points and 6 assists, he also finished with a +8 impact and of course the game winner. DeMarre Carroll had an off shooting night going 1-8 from the field and managing just 4 points. Bismack Biyombo had 0 points and put up just the one shot the entire game. Lowry was the key with his 27, also dishing out 3 assists and going 6-11 from beyond the arc.
Defence: A+
Okay so it wasn’t good defence that made John Wall miss the clutch free throws but the team only gave up 82 points. During the final run in the last 4 or so minutes Washington did not hit a single field goal. The usually solid Bradley Beal gave up 4 turnovers while the Raptors dug in to give themselves the chance they needed to win. The Raptors forced Washington into tough shots and dominated the defensive boards. Ramon Sessions went 0-7 from the field and 0-3 in 3 pointers his points all coming from the foul line. Beal, Wall and Marcin Gortat did manage to find points but no Wizards player scored above 20.
Rebounding: A
It was Bismack Biyombo who simply took care of business. He grabbed 16 boards to lead all players as Toronto out rebounded Washington 47-42. Patrick Patterson also hauled in 8 and Lowry was effective with 7. Washington was held to 10 offensive rebounds but the Raptors only had 6.
Game Ball: Kyle Lowry
Despite Jospeh hitting the winning basket Lowry carried the team and top scored for the game with 27 points. 7 rebounds is also above his average and he remained consistent all night. 6-11 in three point shooting along with 3 assists and 2 steals means he was the stand out player of the night. On the down side 6 turnovers will dint an otherwise big night.
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