Raptors can't handle Truth, Wizards take Game 1 in OT

Perhaps the most underrated thing about the NBA playoffs is that a terribly played game can still keep you on the edge of your seat.

That's what the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors did Saturday in Game 1 of their first-round series, which the Wizards won 93-86 in overtime.  

Coming in, the book on the teams was pretty straightforward. The Wizards were challenged offensively, and the Raps were deficient defensively.

On Saturday, however, the Raptors were unwatchable on offense. They shot 38 percent, missing from seemingly everywhere with reckless abandon. From three, they spent most of the game at sub-20 percent. 

Yet a 17-5 fourth-quarter run sparked the comeback, capped by Greivis Vasquez's game-tying three that forced overtime.

The Raptors then managed only four points in OT.

Turning Point

As if scripted, Paul Pierce, the disliked-in-Toronto 37-year-old veteran, got warm for the Wizards in the second quarter. Playing power forward, he hit wide open shots, including a jumper over Amir Johnson. Pierce's nine points in the second frame seemed to take the air out of the arena.

Highlight Reel

In the fourth quarter, the Raptors outscored the Wizards 26-17, but took a major hit when Kyle Lowry fouled out. Bradley Beal rubbed it in.

It was one of Lowry's worst games as a Raptor. He was 0-for-4 from deep, joining Terrence Ross who was 0-for-6.

Star Performer

It's not like the Wizards played well themselves. As a team they shot 39.4 percent, but benefited from 19 offensive rebounds. Pierce, however, was the star, shooting 7-of-10 and leading the Wiz with 20 points.

Series at a Glance

The Raptors are now 0-7 in opening games in the first round.

Game 1: Wizards 93, Raptors 86 - OT
Game 2: Tuesday, April 21, 8 p.m. ET
Game 3: Friday, April 24, 8 p.m. ET
Game 4: Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m. ET
Game 5*: TBD 
Game 6*: TBD
Game 7*: TBD