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*Photo via USA Today
Game 2: Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors
The Washington Wizards took on the Toronto Raptors in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference. The game was played in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre.
This was a must win game for the Raptors. They endured an embarrassing defeat Saturday in game one. That night they didn’t score until the last 30 seconds of overtime. The Raptors needed to come out in this game with more intensity.
Meanwhile, the Wizards' star players needed to come out and play better, mainly Bradley Beal.
The Raptors came out early with intensity, and took a lead on the Wizards in the first quarter. DeMarr DeRozan came out strong in the quarter, knocking down jumpers. This contributed to the Raptors 31-26 lead after one.
However, the second quarter was all Wizards. The Wizards outscored the Toronto Raptors 34-18 in the second quarter. They also led the rebounding category 23-12. Bradley Beal scored 20 points by halftime, and John Wall had a double double. The Wizards took a 60-49 lead entering the third quarter, and had all the momentum.
The Raptors started the third with a 12-3 run, and looked to regain momentum. However, the Wizards answered back with a 10-0 run gaining momentum again. The Wizards broke the game open by the end of the third leading 97-75. John Wall had 22 points, 16 assists, and Beal had 24 points by the end of the quarter as the Wizards eventually won the game 117-106.
Player of the Game: John Wall. Bradley Beal definitely deserves a mention, but it was Wall who led this team tonight with his scoring and passing. He finished with 26 points,17 assists, and had a major impact on this win for the Wizards.
Dud of the Game: Kyle Lowry. He finished with 6 points on 3-10 shooting. Raptors won't win the series if he plays like that.
Stat of the Game: Rebounds. Once again the Wizards won the boards, however, in tonight's win they were dominant. The Wizards out rebounded the Raptors 45-28.
Breakdown: In the game one recap, it was noted that Bradley Beal and John Wall needed to come out and play, and that's exactly what they did tonight. John Wall finished with 26 points, 17 assists, and Beal finished with 28 points. These two players were the catalyst for the dominant win they got tonight. Now going up 2-0 on the Toronto Raptors. John Wall finished with one assist less than the entire Toronto Raptors team.
The Raptors are in major trouble. Going down 0-2 with the next two games on the road proves to be a difficult task for them. Lowry is going to have to stay out of foul trouble, and be more productive in order for the Raptors to get back into this series.
No team has ever came back to win a series being down 0-3. The next game is a must win for the Raptors.
Game 3 is on Friday 4/24 at 8pm. ESPN2.