Three Things to Watch: Wizards at Raptors 11/7
By Jesse Jones
Will Paul Pierce bounce back?
Nov 4, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) reacts against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Wizards defeated the Knicks 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
The Truth struggled Wednesday night. He missed two go-ahead shots late in regulation and made just three of his 15 attempts. However, he made all five of his free throws to finish with 11 points.
In four games against Toronto last season, Pierce averaged 19.8 points per game, his second-highest average against any team last season except for Miami (21.3).
He shot 56.1 percent from the floor and 59.1 percent from three.
In the playoffs against the Raptors, Pierce’s shooting numbers dipped. He scored 13.4 points per game on 46.5 percent from the field.
Where his performance really dipped was from three, where he made just a third of his attempts.
Nonetheless, Pierce has had recent success against these Raptors.
Washington will need him to bounce back for a big road win, and he should be able to do that.
Trying to stop him will be Terrence Ross and James Johnson, neither player scaring opposing coaches.
Look for a big rebound from Pierce Friday night.