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2018 NBA Playoffs: Last time the Raptors vs. Wizards met in the postseason

By Dante Nelson

AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors reacts with Kyle Lowry #7 after hitting a late fourth quarter jump shot while playing the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Toronto won the game 105-102. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors reacts with Kyle Lowry #7 after hitting a late fourth quarter jump shot while playing the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Toronto won the game 105-102. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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2018 NBA Playoffs: Taking a look back at the last time the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards met in the postseason

With the 2018 NBA Playoffs about to tip-off, we’re going to take a look back at the last time each of these first-round matchups have taken place in the past.

We’re starting with the top-seeded Toronto Raptors who will be facing off against the 8th-seeded Washington Wizards. These teams have only met once in the past, and things didn’t go smoothly for the Raptors as they ended up getting swept.

Yes, back in the 2014-15 season, the Wizards were 5th and the Raptors were 4th. So yes, the Wizards pulled the upset. Included in the sweep was a series ending 31 point win by the Wizards.

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While this was three years ago, both team’s core players are still around. The Wizards had John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter, and Marcin Gortat. The Raptors had Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and Jonas Valanciunas.

The points per game was very telling. Washington averaged 110.3 while the Raptors averaged 96.3. They lost by an average of 14 points. That’s a shame because three of those games were decided by less than 14. Two of the games (Game 1 and 3) were decided by seven points.

What likely happened was, after falling 3-0, the Raptors mailed it in. Down 3-0, on the road, isn’t easy to overcome.

Bradley Beal led the Wizards in scoring for the series. He scored 20.8 points per game. Gortat and Wall both added 17.3. So, the top scorers for the Wizards are back for this series. Gortat appeared to be the best player for the Wizards. That’s if you look at the advanced stats. For instance, his game score was the highest at 17.7. His true shooting and effective field goal percentages were second only to Paul Pierce. He was best at blocks and rebounds and second in assists percentages. He had the best offensive and defensive rating as well for the Wizards.

I said it was interesting because it seems Gortat this past season has regressed.

Meanwhile, the Raptors were lead in scoring by DeRozan. He scored 20.3 points per game. DeRozan was the clear best player for the Raptors. There really wasn’t much help for him during the series.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Playoffs Roundtable: Embiid vs. Whiteside; Raptors vs. history

The Raptors have never beaten the Wizards in the NBA Playoffs. I expect that to change very soon. But, will the Raptors avenge the sweep with a sweep of their own? I actually don’t think so. Still, the Raptors should finally defeat and advance past the Wizards.