The Toronto Raptors begin their series with the Washington Wizards tomorrow morning. Judging by comments at yesterday's media availability from Masai Ujiri, Dwane Casey, and the players, there's certainly an expectation that the team has learned from last year's Game 7 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
The common thread between this year's Wizards and last year's Nets is, of course, Paul Pierce. If the Raptors needed a face to take their frustrations out on, Pierce is it, and there's been no shortage of commentary around his statement that the Raptors don't have "it".