Wizards remain winless after dropping 'must-win' game vs. Raptors

Washington Wizards big man Marcin Gortat might regret publicizing his thoughts on Wednesday's home opener right about now.

After Washington started the season 0-2, Gortat proclaimed Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors a "must-win." "We can't dig a hole and start the season 0-3," Gortat told reporters, according to The Washington Post's Candace Buckner.

And yet that's exactly what the Wizards have done following a 113-103 loss.

Washington built a 12-point first-quarter lead that quickly evaporated, and battled back from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to even the game midway through the final frame, but were outscored 21-11 over the game's final 6:20.

Gortat posted 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal in the loss.

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Since Washington swept Toronto in the first round of the 2015 postseason, the franchises have gone in opposite directions. The Raptors won a franchise-record 56 games last season before advancing to the Eastern Conference final, while the Wizards finished 41-41 and missed the playoffs. In addition, Toronto has won all five meetings since their humiliating 2015 playoff exit.

If Wednesday's game was internally viewed as a must-win - a label rarely reserved for November basketball - it'll be interesting to see how tense the Wizards are heading into Friday's contest against the division-rival Hawks, especially considering Washington's desire to start the season well following last year's disappointment.