Raptors overcome poor shooting night by stepping up defensively

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Midway through the fourth quarter Friday night against the host Washington Wizards, Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard had combined for 10 turnovers, while attempting zero free throws.

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Not exactly the ideal recipe for success, but each had moments when they would impact the game on a night when several players stepped up for the Raptors, whether it was RJ Barrett on offence or Collin Murray-Boyles on defence.

The Raptors never trailed, but they were threatened before emerging with a 112-102 win.

Barnes did net a game-high 28 points, but he needed 26 shot attempts en route to recording a double-double.

Leonard had his consecutive streak of scoring 20 points snapped at 58 following a 7-for-19 shooting night.

The Barnes-Leonard combo went a combined 3-for-14 from beyond the three-point arc.

When Washington made runs, the Raptors responded.

The Wizards provided the Raptors with their first test two games into the season and the visitors passed it.

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Leonard, Immanuel Quickley and CMB each picked up three fouls in the opening half when the host Wizards overcame a very shaky start before mounting a threat.

In the second quarter, Washington outscored the Raptors, who nonetheless took a 60-52 lead into the break.

One area that took a hit for the Raptors was their ball movement, which was exemplary in the opening period.

The second quarter was entirely different, a big reason why Washington began to compete at a higher level.

The Wizards are a very intriguing team, no longer a joke when compared to the most recent editions that often would get blown out.

Compared to the Chicago Bulls, Toronto’s opponent in its season opener, the Wizards are championship contenders.

To be clear they are not, but they’re not bad, a big, athletic and explosive team that will challenge quality teams.

Washington trailed by as many 17 points before making it a one-possession game four minutes into the third quarter.

Toronto got its first look at Trae Young running the show for the Wizards.

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When he’s under control, shooting in rhythm and forcing a quick tempo, Young is as good as any point guard.

After three quarters, the Raptors were leading 81-77 courtesy of a late shotclock three by Jamison Battle.

The Wizards won the second and third quarters after trailing by double figures following the opening 12 minutes.

The following are three takeaways from the Raptors’ first road tip of the season, a night when Barrett recorded his second 20-point game as Toronto improved to 2-0.

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1. Which position is Barnes best suited to defend?

Versatility has become Barnes’ calling card, a very good defender capable of getting matched up against guards or centres.

At Capital One Arena, Barnes began the night matched up against Anthony Davis, one of the game’s most elite power forwards whom the Wizards acquired in a trade from Dallas.

Sadly, the former first overall pick and NBA champion will forever be linked to the Luka Doncic trade.

When he’s not settling for perimeter jumpers, Davis is a load.

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Barnes battled Davis and would contest many shots, despite the size advantage that clearly favoured Davis.

The A.D.-Scottie B matchup was quite tantalizing.

Davis netted 34 in Washington’s season-opening win against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors are infinitely better than the Bucks.

Davis also saw plenty of CMB, who defended and was an overall presence, despite being in foul trouble

With five minutes left in the fourth period, CMB picked up his fifth foul.

2. Why Kawhi needs the rock?

Another quick and forceful start for the Raptors in holding the host Wizards to 19% shooting in the opening period.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic once again was very liberal in using his bench.

While too many three-point attempts would be heaved, what stood out was the quarter’s final possession, which allowed the Raptors to close out the period after a successful video review.

Not surprisingly, the inbound pass landed in the hands of Leonard.

With the court spread, Leonard began the sequence at the top of the circle.

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A couple of dribbles later, he passed the ball to Quickley, who had spotted up in the left corner.

Washington closed off the driving lane on Leonard, but the strategy did provide Quickley with an open look at the basket.

He missed the shot at the buzzer, did it did provide a look into the possibilities someone of Leonard’s ilk will provide.

His late-clock, late-game shotmaking is second to none.

Leonard can also facilitate because he’s a willing passer.

3. Will Jakob Poeltl get any sustained touches?

Not many, if any, noticed how the Raptors’ starting centre and lone legitimate big attempted one shot in opening night’s blowout win over the visiting Chicago Bulls.

Jakob Poeltl doubled his total Friday night with game some 14 minutes old.

His defensive activity was solid, but as of today it is hard to see how the Raptors plan on using the big man on offence.

When quick threes are heaved, his role becomes non-existent.
Washington did start two bigs and it’s well known Poeltl doesn’t possess a post game that will draw defenders.

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His shotput-like shot has been lethal in the past.

When he’s near the basket, Poeltl can score.

Setting screens and rebounding the basketball are the areas Poeltl will need to hone in on.

Given his salary, more should be expected, but the Raptors have almost made a seven-footer disappear.

For a big man, Poeltl can pass the ball, especially from the high post.

He had two assists in 15 minutes at the half.

Up Next

The Raptors wrap up their mini two-game road trip with a stop in Minneapolis where the host Timberwolves will provide the opposition Sunday night; the occasion will allow fans of the Raptors to get their first look at Minny’s dynamic duo of Anthony Edwards and off-season acquisition LaMelo Ball, two electric guards who can flat-out score.

fzicarelli@postmedia.com

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