Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Wizards
By Chris Conner
The Toronto Raptors and Wizards capped off an exciting Game 1 of their first round series in the 2018 NBA Playoffs Saturday. In what was a battle from start to finish, the Raptors ended a historically haunting losing streak.
The Toronto Raptors came into the 2018 NBA Playoffs losing 10 straight matchups in opening games of playoff series. That sad streak finally came to an end Saturday, as Toronto defeated the Washington Wizards, 114-106, in Game 1 of their first round series. They also earned the first victory in a playoff home opener in franchise history.
It didn’t come easily by any means, as the Raptors trailed by four at halftime and had limited answers for John Wall (23 points, 15 assists and four steals) and Markieff Morris (22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists) throughout the contest.
The Raptors were also undermanned as key reserve Fred VanVleet was ruled out nursing a shoulder injury. Toronto ultimately prevailed due to fantastic 3-point shooting (16-for-30) and took Washington’s best shot from a variety of angles.
Serge Ibaka led the way for Toronto with 23 points and 12 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan chipped in 17 points (albeit on 17 shots) and Delon Wright had 18 off the bench.
Despite DeRozan and Kyle Lowry not playing particularly well, playoff wins are often like college degrees: No one cares how you got it, as long as it’s on your resume. With that being said, let’s get into our three takeaways from Game 1.