Raptors continue overtime struggles, fall to Wizards in 3OT

TORONTO, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) — Toronto Raptors battled the Washington Wizards in a 134-129 loss over three overtimes on Thursday.

With the loss, Toronto fall to 0-3 in overtime games at home this season and 1-4 on the season overall.

Despite the result, Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is pleased with the effort his team displayed.

“I liked the way we finished the game and battled. Even with foul trouble and also with injuries,” said Casey after the prolonged game.

“That’s what I love about this team. We’re not overly talented. They’re scrappy, they don’t quit.”

Guards Terrence Ross and Kyle Lowry both suffered ankle injuries during the game. Ross was forced to leave the game in the second quarter while Lowry remained in the game.

“We rode him (Lowry) and DeMar, we rode him so hard, but every game is important. Every game, every possession and it’s hard to take them out,” said Casey. “Our deck wasn’t full and I thought it hurt us.”

Lowry and forwards Amir Johnson and Patrick Patterson were all disqualified from the game by committing their sixth foul in the overtime periods.

With the loss of their four players, Toronto’s defense was unable to contain guard John Wall and the rest of the Wizards’ offense.

“That’s got to be a nightmare. He is one of the fastest guys with the ball in the league,” said Casey of Wall.

“You got (Marcin) Gortat who is one of the best screen and rollers guys going down the lane. The best shooters in (Bradley) Beal and (Martell) Webster spotted up. They’re a lethal offensive team.”

Wall finished with 31 points while Gortat had a team-high 32 points and 12 rebounds in the game for the Wizards.

In franchise history, Toronto has played in a total of 102 overtime games in 19 seasons. Eight games have reached double overtime and six have reached triple overtime.

The team holds a losing record in all three scenarios: 3-5 in double overtime games, 1-5 in triple overtime games and 35-53 in single overtime games for an overall record of 39-63.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2014-02/28/c_133150292.htm