Wizards drop into 2-0 hole against Raptors

TORONTO – The Washington Wizards are letting their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Raptors slip away in the same way they treated an important loose ball on Tuesday.

In the fourth quarter when the Wizards needed to sustain a semblance of hustle and heart, point guard John Wall tossed a lob pass to power forward Markieff Morris. But the pass did not find his 6-foot-10 teammate and instead the 6-foot-5 Delon Wright swatted it away. While all-star Bradley Beal watched the ball nearly roll out of bounds, Toronto’s all-star DeMar DeRozan gave chase. DeRozan saved the possession to Kyle Lowry, who found the streaking Wright for the emphatic finish.

It was just one play in the Raptors’ 130-119 win over the Wizards but a significant reason as to why Washington has fallen into a 2-0 hole in the series.

The Wizards’ defense failed them once again as the Raptor scored a franchise playoff record for points in a game and DeRozan tied his postseason career high with 37 points. Although Washington nearly overcame a 23-point deficit, the night turned to ashes in spite of 63 points from the bench. Mike Scott led the unit with 20 points, including 4-of-5 shooting from the arc. Also, Ty Lawson made his Wizards’ debut and hit four 3-pointers for 14 points.

As a team, the Wizards made 10 of 22 from the arc but still didn’t match the sizzling shooting from the Raptors.

Ever since Saturday night when the Raptors glided to a Game 1 win off the strength of 16 made 3-pointers, the Wizards spent two off days making adjustments and promising change. But playing more desperate? No, Wall responded when a reporter questioned if the Wizards needed more urgency ahead of Game 2.

“Just coming out being more focused on the defensive end,” Wall said, offering as a practical solution.

However, the Wizards’ attention to detail vanished as soon as the Raptors executed their game plan.

In the opening quarter, Washington inexcusably surrendered three long-range shots from the same corner area in front of the Raptors’ bench.