Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Raptors: DeRozan, Lowry light up Wizards in 97-88 win"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2016-01-09T10:00:04-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/104987172016-01-09T10:00:04-05:002016-01-09T10:00:04-05:00Wizards vs. Raptors postgame links and roll call
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<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let's review Friday's game one last time before we head to Orlando one last time.</p> <p>The Wizards <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/8/10739782/washington-wizards-toronto-raptors-final-score-recap">lost 97-88 on Friday</a> to the Raptors. The first quarter was nice, but it was a disaster the rest of the way.</p>
<p>Let's get to links from the game.</p>
<h4><b>Postgame video</b></h4>
<p>Randy Wittman's presser <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/randy-wittman-postgame-1-8-16" target="_blank">is embedded above</a>. Other players' videos are linked below:</p>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a target="new" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/otto-porter-postgame-1-8-16">Otto Porter</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/garrett-temple-postgame-1-8-16">Garrett Temple</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/jared-dudley-postgame-1-8-16">Jared Dudley</a>
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<h4><b>Links</b></h4>
<p>Here's the recap roll:</p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/2016/1/8/10739718/raptors-beat-wizards-in-washington-97-88-wins-2nd-straight" target="new">RaptorsHQ</a> <a href="http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/01/08/raptors-continue-to-school-wizards.html" target="new">Toronto Star</a> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-have-no-answers-for-raptors-demar-derozan-drop-third-straight/2016/01/08/48ba25a6-b675-11e5-a842-0feb51d1d124_story.html">The Washington Post</a> <a href="http://wizofawes.com/2016/01/08/washington-wizards-remain-bad-against-toronto-97-88/" target="new">Wiz of Awes</a>
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<h4><b>Roll Call</b></h4>
<p>54 users commented 618 times in our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/8/10734644/wizards-vs-raptors-gamethread">first half</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/8/10734670/wizards-vs-raptors-second-half-gamethread">second half</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/8/10734688/wizards-vs-raptors-postgame-reaction-thread">postgame threads</a>. Here's how you did.</p>
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<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JW2BB3">JW2BB3</a></td>
<td>63</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Lossless">Lossless</a></td>
<td>44</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jayxelo">jayxelo</a></td>
<td>40</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hector12">Hector12</a></td>
<td>40</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hypemaster">Hypemaster</a></td>
<td>40</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WarsawKen">WarsawKen</a></td>
<td>37</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ARendon6">ARendon6</a></td>
<td>33</td>
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<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/abala">abala</a></td>
<td>30</td>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SmileyAllMighty">SmileyAllMighty</a></td>
<td>24</td>
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<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WhyKnotUs">WhyKnotUs</a></td>
<td>22</td>
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<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NatP">NatP</a></td>
<td>21</td>
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<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Robert%20Flom">Robert Flom</a></td>
<td>21</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ChillVillain">ChillVillain</a></td>
<td>18</td>
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<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/willbull">willbull</a></td>
<td>17</td>
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<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/batmanwithprep">batmanwithprep</a></td>
<td>16</td>
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<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ovechkinsgoal">ovechkinsgoal</a></td>
<td>15</td>
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<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ChilllDuice">ChilllDuice</a></td>
<td>12</td>
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<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Nolan%20Howell">Nolan Howell</a></td>
<td>12</td>
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<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/.hambonejackson">.hambonejackson</a></td>
<td>11</td>
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<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LRJ">LRJ</a></td>
<td>11</td>
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<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/No%20Wave%20Coffee">No Wave Coffee</a></td>
<td>8</td>
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<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Nickdogggmoneycash">Nickdogggmoneycash</a></td>
<td>6</td>
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<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BmoreBulletsFan">BmoreBulletsFan</a></td>
<td>6</td>
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<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rvWizPH">rvWizPH</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/elliotlevy2">elliotlevy2</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Demj">Demj</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hands11">Hands11</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ifly4jx">ifly4jx</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rice2012">Rice2012</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DrJ6">DrJ6</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ThatOneGuyCpr">ThatOneGuyCpr</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/yop32">yop32</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Edu_duda_dudu">Edu_duda_dudu</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/novadada">novadada</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/t0Shihiro">t0Shihiro</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/12AaronJones21">12AaronJones21</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MisterWu">MisterWu</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CountSmackula">CountSmackula</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Newjamarcus">Newjamarcus</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/djnnnou">djnnnou</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ATrueNigerian">ATrueNigerian</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Nubboi">Nubboi</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WizardsFan">WizardsFan</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KappakidToo">KappakidToo</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cheergirl">cheergirl</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jake%20Whitacre">Jake Whitacre</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nesby8">nesby8</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wall_Hopeful">Wall_Hopeful</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/XAGMNINETY">XAGMNINETY</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/disgrunted">disgrunted</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Albert%20Lee">Albert Lee</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>52</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BBfor3">BBfor3</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>53</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chetho">Chetho</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>54</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCville">DCville</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<h4><b>Notable Comments</b></h4>
<p>I liked this sequence of comments</p>
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<p><b style="font-size: 1.25em;">Saturday Food Specials</b></p>
<p>The Wizards led after the first quarter. Therefore, you will get a free Egg McMuffin with your McDonald's mobile app.</p>
<h4><b style="font-style: italic;">That's all I have. Here's hoping for a better result against Orlando tonight.</b></h4>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/9/10740022/wizards-vs-raptors-postgame-video-links-and-roll-callAlbert Lee2016-01-08T22:20:20-05:002016-01-08T22:20:20-05:00Recap: Wizards lack bite in 97-88 loss
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<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In a game full of sloppy turnovers and physical defense, the Wizards had no answer for the Raptors' star wing player.</p> <p>Despite last year's playoff sweep, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> still can't seem to figure out the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors</a> in the regular season.</p>
<p>The first quarter was characterized by energetic, aggressive defense by the Wizards. Otto Porter and <span>Garrett Temple</span> were particularly impressive, with deflections, steals, and even an early block from Porter. The offense was cold, but they nonetheless raced out to a 26-18 lead, holding the Raptors to just 7-23 shooting. <br><br>Trouble for the Wizards started at the end of the first quarter when the starters began to sub out. The defense lost its bite while the offense continued to be uninspiring. The first half ended with the game tied 47-47. Both Porter and Temple took hard hits but stayed in the game. <span>John Wall</span> slipped and fell (for the second game in a row) though this time he recovered for a chase down block on <span>Patrick Patterson</span>.<br><br>The Wizards’ momentum continued to decline in the third quarter. Washington struggled to regain their first quarter defensive rhythm, and Toronto went on a commanding 22-6 run to break the game open. The Raptors held a 12 point lead at the end of the quarter.<br><br>In the fourth quarter, the game got just close enough to be interesting, mostly due to the extremely aggressive play of Porter and Ramon Sessions. But <span>DeMar DeRozan</span> was on fire and the Raptors never looked nervous. Porter took another hard hit on a flagrant foul from Patterson, but again stayed in the game. DeRozan scored a new season-high 35 points (his previous season high was also against the Wizards). He also finished with eight boards. The Raptors won 97-88.</p>
<h3>Game Notes</h3>
<p><b><br>The Wizards let the Raptors live at the line</b><br><br>The Wizards turned the ball over 19 times, which you would think would be their undoing. But they also forced 22 turnovers on the Raptors. The Wizards also won the points in the paint battle, 40-36. But the free throw discrepancy was huge: The Wizards shot 15 (of which they made 14) while the Raptors shot 26 (and made 24). DeRozan personally took almost as many free throws as the entire Wizards squad (13).<br><br><b>John Wall puts on a "pre-December" performance</b><br><br>Wall’s incredible December, for which he won <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/4/10711258/john-wall-eastern-conference-player-of-the-month-nba-december-2015">Eastern Conference Player of the Month</a>, has been <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/13/10029350/john-wall-december-2015-nba-statistics">well</a> <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/2/10700728/john-wall-fantasy-stats-december-2015-analysis">chronicled</a>. Unfortunately, nagging injuries and high usage appear to be taking their toll. Wall had his second straight uninspiring game. He had 21 points, but took 20 shots and had just 4 assists and 7 turnovers. Usually a master at manipulating defenses, Wall looked a step slow and out of sync with his teammates tonight.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/8/10739782/washington-wizards-toronto-raptors-final-score-recapL.W.2016-01-08T21:26:19-05:002016-01-08T21:26:19-05:00Wizards vs. Raptors reaction thread
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<figcaption>Rob Carr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>You guys aren't gonna believe this, but another star wing player had a big game vs. the Wizards.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/8/10734688/wizards-vs-raptors-postgame-reaction-threadJake Whitacre2016-01-08T00:46:34-05:002016-01-08T00:46:34-05:00Preview: Wizards go for much-needed win vs Raptors
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SeU0zxUM_Mn3GbyQtMTnccC37EU=/0x0:1735x1157/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48522461/usa-today-8959784.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After rattling off four straight wins in the thick of December, the Washington Wizards have now lost four of their last five games and are 1-2 in their current home stretch.</p>
<p>The Wizards last faced the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 30 as the Drake's hosted the Wiz kids in Canada. That game wound up being a three-point loss for the Wizards as they fell 94-91 to the Raptors. DeMar DeRozan scored 34 points in that game.</p>
<p>The Wizards could have won that game. Toronto had a 90-81 lead late, but the Wizards scored the next seven points, and then pulled within one when Jared Dudley hit a three-pointer with 39 seconds to go. But then the Wizards misfired on three outside shots on their final possession.</p>
<p>To get back on track in the East, this win is a much-needed one for Washington.</p>
<h3>Game Info</h3>
<p><b>When:</b> Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern</p>
<p><b>Where:</b> The Phone Booth - The Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.</p>
<p><b>Watch on:</b> CSN Mid-Atlantic for folks in the DMV, Sportsnet One for the good people up in Canada.</p>
<p><b>Listen to:</b> WNEW - 99.1 FM in Washington</p>
<h3>Injury Report</h3>
<p>For the Raptors, Demare Carroll had knee surgery on Wednesday, so he will miss this one and likely a few more. Alan Anderson (ankle) and Bradley Beal (fibula) are out for the Wizards while Kris Humphries is questionable.</p>
<h3>Most likely Wizards' killer</h3>
<p>Bismack Biyombo had a double-double, with 12 points and 12 rebounds, off the bench for the Raptors in their last game against the Wizards. Biyombo failed to score in his last outing against the Nets, but has been getting consistent minutes for the Raptors and can be a threat on both offense and defense with his rebounding, shot blocking and scoring abilities around the basket.</p>
<p>Will he have a 20-20 game against the Wizards? Probably not. But Biyombo can bang with guys like Marcin Gortat and Nene, and he can also make things tough against small-ball four's who are looking for a shot near the basket.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/1/8/10734666/washington-wizards-toronto-raptors-how-to-watch-nba-previewMitchell Northam