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Toronto Raptors: 9 Revelations from Game 1 win over Wizards

By Demar Grant

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 14: DeMar DeRozan
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 14: DeMar DeRozan /
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Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 14: Rap artist Drake celebrates as head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors looks on in the closing moments of their victory against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 14, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

4. Drake is Humboldt Strong

What happened to the Humboldt Broncos was an absolute tragedy and although it was in Saskatchewan, Canadians all over the country were impacted by it, hence the outpouring of support for the victims and their families.

Typically clad in OVO or Raptors attire, Drake was wearing a Broncos jersey as a way to pay tribute to the victims.

Donations have reached an unprecedented amount in Canadian history. $11 million has been donated to the Broncos GoFundMe campaign and with Drake paying tribute on National television, that amount could continue to climb. That is what you call a class act ladies and gentlemen.

5. Small Wizards Beat big Raptors

When Marcin Gortat picked up two quick fouls in the first, fans rejoiced, as did I. When Ian Mahinmi also picked up two quick fouls, fans again rejoiced; the Toronto Raptors were about to feast down low I thought.

The Wizards had to go super small and although disparity at the end of the half was marginal, it brought up some serious issues.

The Raptors’ bigs had no idea who they were guarding. This confusion could just be a Game 1 thing, but there is a principle to be learned. When (not if) the Wizards go super small, playing JV is going to prove difficult.

Morris stretches the floor to a point JV will almost never feel comfortable stretching to and if he does, he’s going to burned easily off the dribble. JV can ask for help on the drive, but who helps the player that does all the helping?

It’s unlikely that the Wiz will stick to this lineup very often, because historically their lineup with Gortat at the 5 has been a bread-winner, but the lineup with Wall/Beal/Porter (or Oubre)/Scott/Morris is in Scott Brooks‘ back pocket.

If the game gets tight and the Wizards need a bucket, you’ll most likely see this lineup once more and you’ll most probably not see JV again.

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