Bestow upon the Wizards a capital E for above-minimal effort in Toronto on Friday night. As a collection of individuals, they did just a little more to cut hard, jump into passing lanes, make the extra pass, and get back in transition than their prior attempts to Effort during NBA basketball games. Too bad, though, it only amounted to a loss.
Washington, once again, facilitated a double-digit deficit in the first quarter but ended it down 8 points. A stronger second quarter and an extra push of effort after halftime even gave the Wizards a 71-70 lead just over three minutes into the third quarter.