A pair of free throws by Jonas Valanciunas left the Washington Wizards trailing the Toronto Raptors 55-43 with 1:31 remaining in the first half. However, the Wizards responded with an 11-0 run in a span of 58 seconds to close the gap to one at 55-54.
The run started as John Wall found Bradley Beal after a steal for a three from the wing.
B3AL just 2 threes away from the franchise record ✌️#WizRaptors pic.twitter.com/aht4mNlaC4
— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards) October 21, 2018
Wall then picked Kyle Lowry and started a fast break before a clear path foul by Fred Van Fleet. Wall made both free throws and then broke down the defense on the ensuing possession for a layup to close the gap at 55-50.
https://twitter.com/HoopDistrictDC/status/1053800264170381314?s=19
After a Raptors’ miss Wall attacked the defense and with three men collapsing somehow found Otto Porter in the corner before the forward drained the three while getting fouled.
https://twitter.com/HoopDistrictDC/status/1053800712898011136?s=19
Porter’s free throw capped the 11-0 run. Toronto would add a basket to take a 57-54 lead into halftime, but the complexion of the game feels different after Wall asserted himself with four points, two assists, and two steals to close the half.
