The Washington Wizards got their fifth win of the season on Monday night, defeating the Toronto Raptors 111-108 at Verizon Center. Just three days after Jose Calderon and Toronto ran Washington off the floor in Canada, the Wizards responded with a solid first half on Monday to jump out to a 15-point halftime lead. Randy Wittman was as discouraged and frustrated as he's been since taking over when he spoke to the media on Friday after the loss. On Monday, Washington led by as many as 18 points but a sluggish fourth quarter and Jerryd Bayless made this one too close for comfort in the final minutes.
With just under a minute remaining, Linas Kleiza hit a three-pointer to give Toronto a 101-100 lead - their first since it was 2-0. Kleiza had a season-high for Toronto, scoring 30 points. Bayless also had a season-high 30 points and went on a personal run in the fourth quarter that got Toronto back in the game
Down 103-102, John Wall drove the lane and drew a blocking foul on Bayless while hitting the continuation floater. He missed the and-one free-throw but Washington was there to grab a long rebound. Jordan Crawford was immediately fouled and made only one of two to give the Wizards a 105-103 lead with 17 seconds left. The Wizards missed 11 free throws.
The missed free throws enabled Toronto to tie the score at 105-105 on an Amir Johnson follow-up dunk. With ten seconds remaining, the Wizards failed to get off a shot as Nick Young was blocked by James Johnson. In an ugly overtime, the Wizards only made one field goal, but held the Raptors to just three points to escape with the win. The visitors had a chance to send the game into double overtime, but Calderon's three-point attempt fell short at the buzzer.
Nick Young and John Wall were extraordinary for Washington, building the first half lead and creating penetration in overtime. Young finished with 29 points while Wall scored 31 and had 7 assists. Wall had a couple huge blocks in overtime, as Toronto failed to make a field goal in the extra session. Trevor Booker supported the guards, adding 19 points and a huge stuff of Johnson in overtime.
The Wizards now host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, looking to make it two in a row.
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