Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown (11) dribbles the ball to the hoop against Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma

https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Toronto-Raptors-forward-Bruce-Brown-11-dribbles-the-ball-to-the-hoop-against-Washington-Wizards-forward-Kyle-Kuzma.jpg

WASHINGTON — Scottie Barnes scored 24 points and the Toronto Raptors beat NBA-worst Washington 106-82 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory and the Wizards’ 15th loss in a row.

Jakub Poetl added 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists to help the Raptors to their first five-game winning streak since April 1, 2022. They have won seven of eight games.

Toronto allowed its fewest points of the season and forced a season-high 27 turnovers.

Kyle Kuzma had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Washington. The Wizards had their worst scoring and turnover numbers of the season.

Takeaways

Raptors: Toronto began Wednesday 5 1/2 games back of Chicago for the final Eastern Conference play-in spot. The Raptors will play their next four at home.

Wizards: Exceeded their previous season-worst of 21 turnovers before the end of the third quarter, and could share the blame for their sloppiness.

Key moment

Toronto began the game on a 14-0 run while Washington turned it over three times and missed its first eight shots. Jonas Valanciunas finally scored the Wizards’ first points on a putback of his own miss with 6:53 left in the first quarter.

Key stat

Toronto scored 22 first-half points off 15 Washington turnovers, en route to a 19-point halftime lead.

Up next

Toronto hosts Chicago on Friday night. Washington hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.

×