Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 6 vs. Wizards

2. The bench led the way again, as it should

It’s been no secret this season, the Raptors are best when they are sharing the basketball. They’re also best when they share minutes with their bench. In what was a close contest throughout, the Raptors played 10 players and all at least 17 minutes.

Stellar bench play has been key to Toronto’s recipe for success all season. Friday night stood front and center. As the third quarter ended, the Raps were down by five as Washington continued to alternate having either Bradley Beal or John Wall on the floor to close the game.

Some coaches may have panicked in a Game 6, putting one of their star players back in earlier than expected. Head coach Dwayne Casey, however, stuck to his guns.

With the starters sitting, Toronto turned a five-point deficit into a three-point lead with 6:15 left in the fourth quarter. The Wizards never saw the lead or got any closer the rest of the game.

And if my words don’t describe the importance of Toronto’s bench Friday night, listen to what Kyle Lowry had to say.

It’s not often you see stars speak candidly in detail about the appreciation of players who are momentarily replacing them. It’s one of many things that makes this squad special. This is arguably the deepest team in the playoffs.

Jakob Poeltl and Pascal Siakam combined for 18 points and 15 rebounds. Delon Wright chipped in with four points, four rebounds and four steals, and C.J Miles finished with seven points of his own.

And then we have Fred VanVleet.