Three Observations from Wizards/Raptors (11-23-18)
By:Ryan Fowler
Headline Photo From: NBA.com
Threes, Threes, and more Threes:
The Raptors had one of their best shooting nights of the year from behind the arc, the Wizards did not. The Wizards shot an abysmal 19.6% from 3-PT range Friday, and took a franchise record 46 3-PT attempts. The Raptors did a solid job overall of contesting the Wizards’ three-point looks. Washington put up some ugly numbers across the board. Oubre went 0-for-6, Wall 1-for-7, Beal 1-for-3 and Porter 1-for-6. When your starters shoot 4-26 ( from 3-PT land, in an NBA that lives on the deep ball, you will continue to have trouble night in and night out.
Thomas Bryant provides fresh legs:
Bryant started his second straight game and once again provided a spark on both endsof the floor with his energy and athleticism.
After stealing a pass, he tossed it to John Wall, then finished with a dunk in transition. That play showed the speed Head Coach Scott Brooks has raved about, and could provide a huge boost for this Wizards team who can really run the floor. Bryant also went 1-4 from 3-PT range, a positive sight to see as the Wizards have received zero production from deep from their slew of Centers so far this campaign. The fact he can hit threes as a center gives the Wizards a new element. Though Ian Mahinmi made one this season, Bryant is a more consistent threat from long range.
Kawhi was Kawhi:
Leonard finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds, as no one on the floor could stop his game. Leonard poses an offensive skillset that only few players in the world possess in that he is too big for guards, to crafty and quick for forwards his size, and take-and-make any shot on the floor. His ability to make threes, hit mid-range jumpers, score in the post and lead one man fast breaks is the reason Toronto traded their star, DeMar DeRozan to San Antonio for the likes of Kawhi Leonard.
