Lucas Viveiros | The Avro Post
It was a playoff game in complete Toronto control until a final push from the Wizards saw the Raptors lead in Game 4 slip away, as well as their series lead disappear.
The positive narrative of finishing atop the Eastern Conference, and what looked like could be a sweep of the eighth seeded Wizards is all but gone, and down to a best of three series.
DeMar DeRozan was able to put up 35 points, but faltered in the fourth quarter when it mattered most shooting just 2-for-8.
This was John Wall’s opportunity to lead his Wizards to victory on home court and he did just that, tallying 27 points, 6 rebounds and 14 assists, on route to the 106-98 win.
Even without sidekick Bradley Beal in the final minutes of the game due to him being fouled out, Wall showed his superstar status in the league, knocking down the dagger shot with 57 seconds to play making it 102-96.
Wall seemed like a man on a mission throughout the contest, showing emotion and anger from the get go as seen on this dunk over Raptors big man Jonas Valanciunas.
It appears John Wall had a little extra incentive to win this game, as he was provoked by Toronto artist Drake after the Raps global ambassador told him that the Wizards would be swept and he “had the brooms” for them.
Wall also told reporters that right now he can’t even listen to Drake because of the comments.
What’s a Raptors playoff series without Drake getting into it with the star of the opposing team?
Now that the Wizards have tied the series up, Game 5 will shift back to Toronto with the home team having emerged victorious every game in this series thus far.
The Raptors will look to shift the momentum in their favour in front of their home crowd with a combined season and playoff record of 36-7 at home this year.
Tip off for Game 5 is set for 7:00pm on Wednesday from the Air Canada Centre and can be seen on TSN 1, 4 and 5.
More coverage to follow. Image from USA Today.
