Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 4 vs. Wizards

2. Assist/turnover totals plague Toronto

In Games 1 and 2, Toronto registered 26 and 24 assists, flashing the trademark ball-movement that made them so successful during the regular season. In Game 3, they had only 20 assists, and in Game 4, just 19.

See the pattern?

When the Raptors whip the ball around the perimeter, finding the open man no matter who it is, they become incredibly unpredictable and difficult to defend.

On the other hand, when they become too reliant on Lowry and DeRozan to create offensive looks, opposing defenses can zero in on the two All-Stars and effectively shut down Toronto’s offense at the source of its powers.

Hand in hand with their assists, the Raptors have to make sure they keep their turnovers to a minimum, as the 18 they had in Game 4 simply won’t do. Against an offensively potent team like the Wizards that can put up 40 points in a quarter, forking over extra possessions only makes things more difficult for Toronto.

If the Raptors can limit their turnovers and move the ball like they did in the regular season, it’ll make their already great offense that much better.