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Raptors show why they're playoff ready in Game 2

Amit Mann
Kyle Lowry and tDeMar DeRozan led a furious Raptors charge in the first half of Game 2 against the Washington Wizards. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Kyle Lowry and tDeMar DeRozan led a furious Raptors charge in the first half of Game 2 against the Washington Wizards. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO — After ending a seemingly never-ending saga of Game 1 playoff losses, the Toronto Raptors came out firing in Game 2 in a 130-119 win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.

Feeling relaxed in front of their home crowd, the Raptors scored an insane 76 points in the first half, setting a franchise record.

Before the game was three minutes old, the Raptors were up 12-4. By the time quarter was over they’d scored 44 points. It was breath of fresh air to see Toronto get off to another strong start – a notorious weak spot this season and in previous playoff games.

In past playoffs, they showed moments of swagger, but also weakness. Notable losses at home and thumpings on the road raised questions about the mental toughness of DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, and the entire squad.

In the second half, when the Wizards made their expected run, a few notable plays showed why this top seeded group are undoubtedly different than past incarnations.

A fury of John Wall’s brilliance on both ends of the court helped the Wizards cut the lead down to five early in the fourth. Then on a broken play, with the shot clock winding down, CJ Miles nailed a three, met with a roar from the capacity crowd. Moments later, a streaking Wall had his shot blocked by Delon Wright leading to a DeRozan bucket.

Then with the Wizards on the ropes, DeRozan kept a loose ball in for Lowry who hit up Delon Wright for an alley-oop. Everyone at the ACC went nuts, from the top-bowl fans and to the Raptors bench.

With 37 points, DeRozan clearly led on the offensive end, but now he’s making game-altering plays on both ends of the court, like a true MVP candidate. And when the Raptors’ lead was in serious danger, it was Wright and Miles who put the team back on course.

Critics of the playoff Raptors remain plentiful, but if Game 2 showed anything, DeRozan and Lowry are locked in and they have a plethora of supporting players hungry to make plays in crunch time.

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