Raptors squander big performance by Lowry in loss to Wizards

Rudi Schuller

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Raptors squander big performance by Lowry in loss to Wizards image

Despite a big night for Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, the Toronto Raptors were unable to hold off the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Thursday night.

The Wizards trailed until the third quarter, when they pulled ahead by as much as seven points before pushing the Raptors in a see-saw fourth quarter that ultimately went Washington's way in a 122-119 result. 

Lowry led all scorers with 29 points, while DeRozan chipped in 23 as Toronto's All-Star backcourt was in vintage form. For the Wizards, All-Star guard Bradley Beal overcame a terrible first-half performance to rack up a team-high 27 points in the winning effort.

The Raptors fall to 34-16, but still sit comfortably in second place in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Here are three takeaways from Wednesday night's game:

Slow start for DeMar

As he did in Tuesday's win over Minnesota, DeRozan had a sluggish first half against the Wizards. Going 2-for-7 from the field, DeRozan collected just four points in the opening 24 minutes of play.

Even stranger, the 28-year-old made zero trips to the free throw line during the first half.

But while his offence may have sputtered in the opening stages, DeRozan still found a way to contribute. He hauled in five first-half rebounds and dished all six of his assists over the first two quarters, including a sweet behind-the-back pass to OG Anunoby for a 3-pointer.

DeRozan then returned to form in the second half with yet another strong offensive performance.

Big first half from bigs

While DeRozan struggled in the early going, the Raptors big men picked up the slack.

Valanciunas continued his run of red-hot opening halves with 16 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Ibaka, who also hit a first-half 3-point shot, contributed with 12 points over the first two quarters as the Wizards found it tough to deal with Toronto's one-two frontcourt punch in the opening half.

The second half was a different story, as the Wizards opened the game up considerably and took Toronto's bigs out of the contest, with Ibaka and Valanciunas combining for five points over the final 24 minutes.

Glass game

One of the reasons to Wizards were able to come back was their dominance under the rim, with Washington holding a 44-32 advantage in rebounding.

Washington hauled in four more offensive rebounds than the Raptors did, which could be seen as the difference in what ended up being a three-point game.

Rudi Schuller