Raptors down Wizards to advance into second round of NBA playoffs

WASHINGTON, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The Toronto Raptors defeated the Washington Wizards 102-92 in Game 6 on Friday and clinched the series at 4-2 overall for their third consecutive trip to the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Guard Kyle Lowry paced the Raptors with 24 points, while DeMar DeRozan had 16 points. Center Jonas Valanciunas scored 14 points and 12 rebounds for Toronto.

Bradley Beal and John Wall were the Wizards' biggest contributors, combining for 55 points, but they had less help from the team's reserves, compared to those of the Raptors. Wall missed all four of his shots in the fourth quarter and Washington shot just 40% from the field.

Friday's loss capped a frustrating year for the Wizards, who struggled with chemistry and consistency throughout the season. Wizards were without their star Wall for 41 games in regular season and wound up with the No. 8 seeding.

Toronto, the East's top seed, will face LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers or the Indiana Pacers in the second round. The Cavs have knocked the Raptors out of the postseason in the past two years. Enditem