The Raptors know they need to win tonight to not go down 2-0 to the Wizards as the series moves to Washington. The Wizards were able to steal Game 1 from Toronto, and will try to take a commanding lead in the series to a point where they could have an opportunity for a sweep. The Wizards were a 29-12 team when playing at Verizon Center, which will make it hard for the Raptors to take a game from Washington as they are playing in front of their home fans.
The Wizards need to once again come out strong and look to push out to and early lead because of their late game woes. At one point in the fourth quarter, they held a 13 point lead, only to see it be washed away and the game taken to overtime. In preparation for another downfall, coming out to an early double-digit lead will give Washington an opportunity to make up for what may come later on in the game.
Paul Pierce’s 20 points last game led the Wizards, but somebody else will have to pick up their performance in anticipation of Pierce not being able to have his way the whole time tonight. This has to come from Marcin Gortat, who was the only Wizards starter that was unable to score in double figures in the Game 1 victory. He kept the Wizards in the Pacers series last season, and has to be more aggressive and be the force in the paint all Wizards fans and those within the organization know he can be.
Tonight’s first key factor is going to be Bradley Beal having a better shooting night than he did in the first game. He may have scored 16 points, but it was done on a 6/23 shooting performance. Knocking down a larger quantity of those shots will help the Wizards escape Toronto with a 2-0 series lead.
The second key factor has to be Nene‘s production as the fourth or fifth option. He does not have to score 30 points, but producing in double-figures is a must, and somewhere in the 15 point range is ideal. In Game 1, Nene set a career best with 13 rebounds in a playoff game, so his efforts on the board will also be key in getting a win for Washington.
This game is going to be a very tough and physical game where everybody will be working hard to back up what they have been saying off the court. Tonight is a must win for both teams, and both will do everything they can to stay away from a loss. The contest should be interesting, and could be a game that will define this series.
