Los Angeles, Oct 21: In the final preseason matchup of 2023, the Washington Wizards, who had entered the game with an unblemished 3-0 record, faced a formidable challenge from the Toronto Raptors, ultimately succumbing to a 134-98 defeat.
The evening began on a promising note for the Wizards, with Tyus Jones initiating the action by setting up Daniel Gafford for a resounding alley-oop dunk, securing the first points of the game. Bilal Coulibaly further contributed with an impressive driving layup, and Deni Avdija added to the momentum with a skillful catch-and-shoot three-pointer, allowing the Wizards to establish an early 7-0 lead. However, the Raptors swiftly changed the dynamics of the game.
The Raptors embarked on a significant 19-2 scoring run during the first quarter, seizing control of the match and maintaining their dominance throughout. The Wizards, displaying commendable resilience, managed to stay within striking distance until midway through the third quarter, at which point the Raptors gradually extended their lead. With less than four minutes remaining in the third quarter, the deficit ballooned to 20 points, making the outcome of the game virtually academic.
Despite the lopsided final score, there were notable positive aspects to the Wizards’ performance on Friday night. Notably, Deni Avdija showcased an impressive performance, marking a stark contrast from his previous outings. After missing the first two preseason games and encountering offensive challenges in their Wednesday game in New York, the fourth-year wing exhibited a much-improved display. He exhibited aggression and precision across all areas of the court and demonstrated remarkable accuracy with his jump shots.
Avdija closed the game as the Wizards’ top scorer, amassing 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field, with a 4-of-7 success rate from beyond the arc, all within just 20 minutes of play. Additionally, he contributed seven rebounds to his performance.
With this preseason contest behind them, the Wizards now face a brief interlude before their regular-season opener scheduled for October 25 in Indiana.
As the Wizards wrap up their preseason campaign with a loss to the Raptors, they carry with them valuable lessons and takeaways to refine their strategies and make necessary adjustments. (Agencies)
