Fansided

Hardwood Paroxysm Presents: We’re not mad, we’re just disappointed and sad

By HP Basketball Network

Apr 13, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) leaves the court after losing to the Utah Jazz 109-92 at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) leaves the court after losing to the Utah Jazz 109-92 at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with fans while leaving the court after the Wizards
Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with fans while leaving the court after the Wizards /

#WeTheNorth Went South on the Toronto Raptors

by Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) — Hardwood Paroxysm

After winning a franchise-record 49 games this season, the Toronto Raptors appeared poised to build upon their 2013-14 campaign, during which they lost a heartbreaking first-round series to the dinosauric Brooklyn Nets in seven games. Instead, Paul Pierce once against haunted the NBA’s lone Canadian squad, as his Washington Wizards made mincemeat out of the Raptors in a first-round sweep.

Just about everyone associated with the organization deserves some modicum of blame for the postseason meltdown. Kyle Lowry shot an abysmal 31.6 percent overall and 21.7 percent from three-point range for the series, as John Wall thoroughly outclassed him on both ends of the court. DeMar DeRozan struggled against second-year Wizards forward Otto Porter, knocking down just 40.0 percent of his 20.0 field-goal attempts per game. Lou Williams, the 2014-15 Sixth Man of the Year, finished the series having shot just 4-of-21 from deep.

The Raptors didn’t have a single regular rotation member with a net rating above minus-8.5. Their much-maligned defense, which allowed 104.8 points per 100 possessions during the regular season, hemorrhaged a playoff-high 112.5 points per 100 against Washington. Their offense, which ranked third in the regular season, was the second worst during the playoffs, ahead of only the Milwaukee Bucks.

Toronto coach Dwane Casey can’t be absolved of responsibility for his team’s failure, either. When the Wizards trotted out Paul Pierce at the 4, it took him two games too long to adjust and move James Johnson into the rotation. By that point, the damage had largely been done, as Washington had stolen both games in Toronto and Pierce was in full-on troll mode.

In essence, the Raptors were the Baxter to Washington’s Ron Burgundy. They pooped in the refrigerator and ate a whole wheel of cheese. Following such an epic playoff meltdown, Toronto should be bracing itself for a turbulent offseason, even if Casey’s job appears safe. Few teams can survive a whooping that severe without wholesale roster changes.

Next: Why Couldn't Cleveland Stay Healthy?

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