Washington Wizards cruise past Toronto Raptors
The Washington Wizards snapped their two-game losing skid as they hammered out a convincing 109-94 win over the Toronto Raptors despite playing without rookie sensation John Wall on Tuesday
16 November at the Verizon Center in Washington.
With Wall sitting out for the first time in his young NBA career because of a strained left foot, the Wizards started Gilbert Arenas for the first time this season, and the 28-year-old guard
responded to the challenge as he finished the game with 20 point and six assists.
“It's been almost four years since I've really played the game,” said Arenas after the game. “Just going out there playing means a lot to me – whether it's starting or coming off the bench.”
Arenas, whose career was slowed down by injuries and his on-and-off the court troubles, started for the first time, and he admitted that he was nervous before the game, thinking that he will
hear a lot of boos once he’s introduced in the starting five. However, the nine-year veteran was surprised when the fans cheered him during the introduction.
“It surprised me, especially when I had a rough summer. All the stuff I'm reading, I thought the fans were just going to murder me – 'cause I was here with Kwame Brown,” Arenas said referring
to how the fans treated Brown during his days with Washington. “I was expecting the same thing. They tricked me a little bit.”
Washington head coach Flip Saunders was also pleased with Arenas’ performance in their last two games, and he is hoping that the former Arizona standout will continue to play well and stay
healthy to accomplish their goals this season.
“He's starting to get his legs under him,” said Saunders on Arenas, who scored 30 points against the Bulls on Saturday 13 November. “He puts so much pressure on the other team knowing that
they have to guard him.”
Andray Blatche, who was bothered by a sore left knee in their previous game, came out big for the Wizards as he scored a team-high 22 points to go with seven rebounds, while Nick Young also
added 20 points, helping the Wizards bag their third win this season.
The Raptors manage to stay within striking distance in the first half, but Washington came out firing on all cylinders in the third period, outscoring Toronto, 36-21, to build a comfortable
90-68 lead heading into the final period.
Sonny Weems led the Raptors with his 16 points; Linas Kleiza added 15 markers, while starting point guard Jarrett Jack had 13 points and five dimes, but their impressive numbers weren’t enough
to lift the Raptors.
The Washington Wizards will gun for two-straight, when they take on the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics on Wednesday 17 November.
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