Raptors to battle Wiz in playoffs
The Toronto Raptors will play the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs.
After defeating the Charlotte Hornets 92-87, the Raptors’ playoff destiny was sealed when the Chicago Bulls beat the Altanta Hawks 91-85 to clinch third place in the Eastern Conference.
That means the fourth-place Raptors will face Washington, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday at the Air Canada Centre. The time of that game and the rest of the schedule were to be released later.
And while they finally know who their post-season opponent will be, coach Dwane Casey was emphatic that it didn’t matter who they play.
“No matter who it is going to be, it’s going to be a war,” said the coach, moments before the conclusion of the fateful game in Chicago.
“The real season starts this weekend and that’s what we have been building for.”
With the win over the Hornets, the Raptors clinched their 49th victory of the season, marking a new franchise record for wins in a season.
“It means everything to me, me personally. I’ve been here through it all. I grew here, so everything we do means a lot to me, because I feel like I played a big role in doing that,” said DeRozan after the game.
Kyle Lowry had the touch on the threeball, draining six-of-nine attempts from beyond the arc and finishing with 26 points. Jonas Valanciunas also had a good night, with 18 points and five rebounds, while DeRozan had16 and was eight-of-13 from the field.
“We want to win, we want to compete, but we want to make sure we’re smart going into the playoffs,” said Casey, commenting on how Lou Williams sat out Wednesday’s game for some “mental” rest.
DeRozan’s condition was good news for the Raptors faithful, after he missed Tuesday’s game with a sore groin.
Fans no doubt recall the shooting guard’s mid-season injury that kept him out for 21 games, a stretch that saw point guard Kyle Lowry play some tough minutes that may have contributed to his struggles earlier this year.
“He’s feeling much better than he was. There’s nobody in the league that’s feeling 100 per cent right now,” Casey said of DeRozan.
Looking ahead, Lowry and DeRozan brushed aside reported comments from the Wizards’ veteran Paul Pierce, who told ESPN this week that the Raptors don’t have the “it” necessary to perform in the playoffs.
“Yes, we do,” Lowry responded sternly when asked about the statement.
“This is what we practise for, we work out and train for in the summer time . . . We’re at this point now, this is where we have to turn it up.”
DeRozan, meanwhile, said the Wiz- ards would learn what “it” is when they face off against the Raptors.
“He’s always got to say something. Just let him talk. I could care less what he says.”
Before the game, there was a note of relief in the cheers of the Raptors faithful as DeRozan walked to centre court ahead of Wednesday’s game, wearing his uniform and holding a microphone.
“I want to thank you all for being the best fans in the NBA,” DeRozan told the crowd.
“Enjoy the game, and enjoy the playoffs.”