Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. Wizards

2. Turnovers were a problem

The Raptors ranked sixth this season in turnovers at 13.4 a game. They had 18 Friday night. Ball security was one of the many points of emphasis Dwayne Casey preached all year. This allowed the Raptors more possessions and more patience on both sides of the floor. It’s also a big reason they were a top-five defensive team. 

Friday didn’t show any glimpse of that team Casey coached throughout the season, although he didn’t appear to be very worried. Some will point to Fred VanVleet’s absence and his importance in the rotation on both sides. No excuses here, however; Toronto simply just needs to be more careful when giving the Wizards extra opportunities. 

Washington didn’t turn many of Raptors mistakes into points, finishing with 17, but it did help the Wizards in transition as they totaled 21 fast break points:

Here’s another example (just a little bit more clumsy):

Washington’s backcourt finally clicked as a duo again and while it was only a matter of time, Toronto didn’t do itself any favors. As a team that only committed 18 or more turnovers seven times this season, sloppy play isn’t a habit they’d like to pick up in the playoffs. Road playoff games are hard enough to win on their own. They’re even harder when you beat yourself.