Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
After tonight’s disappointing loss for the Wizards in Game 6, it would appear that no matter what combination they came up with, it just was not going to be enough to knock of a tough Raptors team.
What really hits home for Wizards fans and the team tonight was that the Raptors really won this game in the second half with their bench. They didn’t rely on DeRozan to get the job done. While the Wizards did get some strong bench play, the ultimately just could not go round for round against what still may be considered the best team in the Playoffs when the entire team is in sync. Problem for the Wizards, they just never were able to get in sync.
This marks the Raptors’ third consecutive trip to the second round of the playoffs; they last failed to get that far in 2015, when they were swept in the opening round by the Wizards.
The Raptors never led by more than one point until a little more than 8 1/2 minutes remained, when reserve C.J. Miles made a 3 to put the visitors ahead 84-80, shortly after a 3 by VanVleet had erased the last bit of Washington’s last lead with a 3 of his own.
After the game, Wizard Head Coach Scott Brooks praised the effort by his team and was asked if he think Wall and Beal just had played too many minutes in this game?
“They beat us fair and square, said Brooks. I think we had solid effort as a team tonight, but when they are at full strength, they are one of the best teams in the league.
