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Wizards Edge Raptors in Thrilling Finish
In a closely contested matchup, the Washington Wizards narrowly defeated the Toronto Raptors 118-117 on Saturday, buoyed by an impressive performance from Jordan Poole, who topped the scoring charts with 34 points. This game showcased not only the struggle for wins but also the quest for higher draft picks as both teams look ahead to the upcoming NBA Draft.
Contributing to Washington’s success, rookie Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly each recorded double-doubles, with Coulibaly scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Sarr added 10 points and secured 14 boards. The Wizards, now at 13-49, celebrated their second consecutive victory, indicating a glimmer of promise amidst a challenging season.
The Wizards retained all five starters on the floor during the final moments of the game, striving to maintain their slim lead against a determined Raptors squad. Toronto’s RJ Barrett, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, led his team with 23 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, teammate Scottie Barnes contributed 18 points to the effort.
Jakob Poeltl, despite being limited to 24 minutes by Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, registered 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists. This strategic adjustment reflects a cautious approach intended to manage players’ endurance as the season progresses.
Notably, Toronto faced challenges related to player availability, missing key contributors due to injuries and rest, including Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jonathan Mogbo.
Insights from the Game
The Raptors had been riding a wave of momentum, with a three-game winning streak snapped by this loss. Barrett and Barnes only logged 28 and 27 minutes, respectively, highlighting a shift in strategy and perhaps a decision to conserve energy for future contests.
Despite a solid defensive effort in their previous game against the Utah Jazz, the Raptors struggled with execution this time around. They committed 15 turnovers that resulted in 16 points for the Wizards, and their shooting percentage was a modest 42.1%, converting 40 of 95 attempts. The team’s difficulties in finishing plays near the basket, particularly in key stretches of the second and third quarters, allowed Washington to build and maintain their lead.
Turning Point
The game’s climax came as rookie guard Jamal Shead was one of the few Toronto starters still on the court during the dying seconds. As the timer ticked down, Shead appeared to sink a game-winning hook shot just as the buzzer went off. However, after a thorough review, officials ruled that the ball had yet to leave his hand when time expired, solidifying Washington’s victory.
Looking Ahead
In another game of significance for the draft lottery contenders, the Charlotte Hornets edged past the Brooklyn Nets 105-102 earlier in the day. This outcome resulted in a temporary tie between Brooklyn and Toronto for the fifth-best odds in the upcoming draft. However, the Raptors’ defeat places them in a slightly less favorable position as they currently possess the fifth-worst record in the league, which translates to a 10.5% chance of landing the top overall pick. Conversely, Washington, despite their triumph, remains at the bottom of the standings, boasting a 52.1% chance of earning a top-four selection and a 14% chance at the first overall pick.
Both teams will reconvene at Scotiabank Arena on Monday for a rematch, further amplifying the implications of their rivalry beyond this season.
Source
globalnews.ca