Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Raptors

1. Markieff Morris is the answer

It’s clear from Game 1 that the Toronto Raptors are not afraid of Markieff Morris. Frequently, Morris was the one left open when there was a mismatch or double-team. Countless times, Kyle Lowry would get switched off of his guy to be left guarding Markieff. Lowry is significantly smaller, and although a decent defender, shouldn’t be able to stop Morris from getting a shot.

Unlike other Wizards playoff runs, Bradley Beal and John Wall got their team more involved right away. Washington noticed the lack of emphasis on Markieff Morris and fed him the ball. He ended the night with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. He also shot 60 percent from the field.

It’s easy to look at the box score and mark his night off as just a good shooting night, but if you look closely, you’ll notice Morris was being given easy opportunities. He wasn’t making tough shots, he was exposing the mismatches the Raptors gave him with ease.

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The Wizards desperately need all help they can get offensively. One of the reasons the Raptors are so dangerous is because guys like OG Anunoby and C.J. Miles can get hot at any moment. John Wall and the Wizards need to keep feeding Morris the ball until the Raptors are forced to change their defensive scheme. He’s talented enough to get buckets when presented with an advantageous opportunity.