Washington Wizards: 5 keys to series vs. Raptors

3. Play with a defensive mindset

The Washington Wizards must play with a defensive mindset and find their perimeter defense in the process against the Raptors. Toronto enters the first round with an offensive rating of 111.0, third-best in the NBA this season.

The Wizards must also protect the 3-point line if they want to win this series. The Raptors shot 46.5 percent from behind the arc in their two victories against them during the regular season. On the season, Toronto made 11.8 3-pointers per game, tied for fourth in the NBA alongside the Dallas Mavericks.

One player who becomes an X-factor in the defensive department is Kelly Oubre Jr. In victories this season, Oubre posted a defensive rating of 101.9. In losses, his defensive rating was 113.8. Even more, his net rating was like night and day in victories and losses. He posted a +9.7 in victories and -14.3 in losses. Oubre will need to buy into the defensive end and do his part off the bench or Washington could be in for a short postseason.