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Toronto Raptors: Casey’s frustration warranted after Wizards loss

By David Morassutti

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors shouts instructions to his team as they play the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors shouts instructions to his team as they play the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors fell behind early against the Washington Wizards but a strong effort from the bench was not enough to recover prompting Dwayne Casey to call out his starters.

It appears that Toronto Raptors head coach Dwayne Casey is tired of seeing strong performances from his bench players go to waste.

In their first game home from a long road trip, the Raptors were unable to take advantage of a Washington Wizards team missing John Wall, as they lost 107-96. Bradley Beal had a big game with 38 points while DeMar DeRozan led all Raptors with 26 points.

Unfortunately being outscored 32-17 in the first quarter was too much to overcome even though the Raptors were able to chip away at the lead. It does not help that Kyle Lowry was ejected for arguing with an official, but he wasn’t the only problem.

The team seemed to lack intensity and focus especially early on missing four of their first 11 free throw attempts. When the bench was brought in for the starters, things started to turn around but there is only so much that unit can do.

Casey called out his team following the loss, showing his frustration in his address to the media following the game:

"“We talked about the travel situation, how tough it is to find energy and professionalism and playing with purpose once you come back after you come home off a long road trip, but I guess it didn’t sink in. Our young guys played their behinds off … but we have to find consistency. We can be a good team if we’re consistent and have consistent performance or we can be average the way we are now. I told the guys they have to decide what they’re going to be.”More from Toronto RaptorsToronto Raptors: Christian Koloko Highlights 2022 Summer League rosterToronto Raptors re-sign Chris Boucher, add Otto Porter JrToronto Raptors should not enter the Kevin Durant sweepstakesToronto Raptors reportedly closing on extensions with VanVleet and YoungToronto Raptors get what they need in drafting Christian Koloko"

There is only so much Casey can expect from his bench players, it’s players like DeRozan, Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka who need to set the tone early. The young players should not be the ones leading, but that is what is happening right now.

This has now forced Casey to possibly rethink his approach with the young players and how he employs them as the Toronto Sun‘s Ryan Wolstat noted in his postgame review:

"“Our starters have to be more consistent with their approach. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. We have to find more minutes for the second unit if we can’t be consistent with our starters,” said Casey to reporters."

The Raptors better consider this a message sent, because Casey’s frustration is warranted and it will be intriguing to see how these changes impact this team going forward.

Next: Raptors show growing pains

What do you think the Toronto Raptors need to do to try and be more consistent? Who is this on –  the players or Casey? Let us know in the comments below. 

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