Gortat’s struggles create opening for Scott

Whenever Tuesday’s Game 2 of the first-round series with the Toronto Raptors was spiralling out of control, Washington Wizards Coach Scott Brooks — seeing little production out of his traditional lineup — called upon Mike Scott.

In the first quarter, starting centre Marcin Gortat experienced a rough sequence, fumbling a defensive rebound, missing a layup and surrendering a three-pointer, all within a matter of 22 seconds. Brooks replaced him with Scott.

Later, the Wizards trailed by 15 with the six-foot-eleven Gortat sitting on no points and only three rebounds. Once again, Scott eventually took over the big-man duties.

Washington closed the third quarter trailing only 100-90. Deploying a super-small lineup featuring the six-foot-eight Scott as the centre next to lanky forward Kelly Oubre Jr. and three guards, the Wizards eventually pulled to within five points. Though Washington could not complete the comeback and lost to the Toronto Raptors, 130-119, the team might have uncovered a successful five-man lineup anchored by their emergency centre.

On Tuesday, Scott finished with a bench-high 20 points, making 7 of 10 from the floor, including four three-pointers. After Game 2, when Brooks was asked if Scott as the backup centre could be a sustainable option for the rest of the series, he agreed then strongly hinted at a change.

“Who knows?” Brooks said. “He might be a starting five (option).”

Scott replacing Gortat in the starting lineup would signify a massive shift in Brooks’ philosophy. During his two seasons in Washington, the coach has staunchly trusted his top five (John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr., Markieff Morris and Gortat), only swapping out starters for injury purposes. But trailing two games to none against a Raptors team that has stretched his defence thin, the Wizards coach’s best counter could be the unconventional path.

“At this point, whatever he wants to do,” Scott said. “Whatever it takes for the team to win.”

Though Gortat has played in and started every game this season, he has already experienced reduced minutes in the postseason.

If the Wizards assign Scott to the starting unit, they will give up height and weight whenever Toronto centre Jonas Valanciunas wants to take advantage of the mismatch. Even so, Scott said he believes he can handle it.

“Just got to box out. Easier said than done,” Scott said. “But I’m ready.”