Wizards guard Brad Beal dunks home two of his 19 points
In the final preseason game, Washington came into tonight's game against the Raptors looking to establish great momentum to take into the opening game of the regular season. Needless to say, that mission, was accomplished. Led by John Wall and Brad Beal, the Wizards obliterated the Toronto Raptors 119-82. Toronto was led by an unconscious Demar Derozan who finished with a game high 34 points.
It was exactly the type of performance head coach Scott Brooks was looking for as he looked to create a solid rotation heading into the season opener. Washington came out in the first quarter on fire, scoring 39 points on 73 percent shooting from field and 77 percent shooting from 3-point range. Toronto shot 30 percent from field despite 19 points from shooting guard Demar Derozan in the period. The Wizards poured it on, thanks to play making of their lethal back court John Wall (15 points (6 -11 FG/ 3-4 3-FG), 11 assist, 7 rebounds) and Brad Beal ( 19 points (8-16 FG), 9 assist) and the balanced scoring from Washington's front court Markieff Morris (19 points (8-10 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 assist), Marcin Gortat (16 points (7-8 FG), 8 rebounds and Otto Porter (16 points (7-7 FG/2-2 3-FG), 9 rebounds), Washington pushed the lead up to as much as 39 points, cruising to victory.
Wizards point guard John Wall orchestrates the offense
"I thought we did a great job starting the game off with a defensive mindset," said Wizards coach Scott Brooks. I think it was a carry over from last game in Columbus playing the Cavs. The ball movement was terrific, the shot selections were good; we were getting good looks and that came off of us making extra passes. Our defense really set the game up; when we get defensive stops we're pretty difficult to stop in transition."
"We are ready. We are ready," said Wizards guard Brad Beal. The preseason is over now. We got a big test coming up for us next week, but we are ready for it. This is definitely our best game. I think each game we have gotten better. We have improved in some areas; I think we are ready. Everybody is probably sick of practicing and scrimmaging each other."
Washington finishes the preseason at 4-3 and will hit the road for their season opener against Atlanta Hawks October 27th at 7 p.m. Following the game Washington waived guards Jarell Eddie and Casper Ware and forward Johnny O' Bryant, cutting the roster down to 15.
Raptors guard DeMar Derozan challenges Washington forward Marcin Gortat