Event details:
DATE: April 21, 2018
TIME: 00:00 UTC
VENUE: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. , USA
The Toronto Raptors finally snapped their losing streak in Game 1s with their victory over the weekend against the Washington Wizards. And now, for the first time in franchise history, they have a 2-0 series lead. The Raps came out on fire in Game 2, pouring in 44 points in the first quarter. At one point, the lead blossomed to over 20 points, but the Wizards kept battling. A fourth-quarter surge saw the Wizards cut the deficit to just five points, but the Raptors soon regained control, and pulled away for a 130-119 victory.
Now, the Wizards will have the tough task of trying to get back into the series as it shifts back to D.C. for Game 3. They did show some positive signs in their comeback attempt in the second half, but they'll need a better game from Bradley Beal, who scored just nine points in Game 2.
They just continue doing what they've done all season. The Raptors have been the best team in the East all season long. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have done their usual work and the bench has been spectacular. As long as they trust in what has gotten them here and don't revert to bad habits when things get tough, they should be fine.
The "Playoff Raptors" show up and John Wall plays like an All-Star. Toronto has had a habit in the past of no-showing in the playoffs. If Lowry and DeRozan aren't up to their usual best, and the Raptors' bench isn't ready for the moment, then the Wizards are talented enough to make this a series. But they'll need Wall to step up and play like the All-Star version of himself.
