The Toronto Raptors improved to 2-0 on the season after defeating the Washington Wizards 112-102 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. It marks Toronto’s first 2-0 start since 2019, the season the franchise won its first NBA championship.
While the final score may suggest a convincing win, the Raptors’ performance was far from perfect. Inconsistent three-point shooting, communication issues and fouls remain areas for improvement as they look to build on this result in their upcoming games.
Scottie
Barnes led the way with an impressive double-double, recording 28 points and 14 rebounds. RJ Barrett also delivered a strong performance, finishing with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 16 points and eight rebounds.
Both teams came out looking to establish their perimeter game, with the first five shots of the contest all coming from beyond the arc. After the early attempts went unanswered, RJ Barrett connected from three-point range to get Toronto on the board, before Kawhi Leonard followed with a three of his own on the Raptors’ next possession.
Toronto continued to look for opportunities from deep, attempting eight three-pointers within the opening minutes of the game. Their offence remained productive thanks to contributions from across the lineup.
The Raptors defensive intensity helped set the tone throughout the quarter, limiting Washington’s key offensive contributors and making it difficult for the hosts to establish a rhythm.
A scoring run from the bench, led by Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead and Allen Graves, helped the Raptors extend their advantage.
Toronto closed the quarter with a 34-21 lead, establishing early control of the game. However, six turnovers in the opening frame highlighted the need for better decision-making in transition and improved communication moving forward.
The second quarter opened with both teams trading baskets as the Wizards began to find their rhythm offensively.
Toronto’s communication continued to be an issue, as Trae Young knocked down back to back wide open three pointers to cut the lead to eight, forcing Darko Rajaković to call a timeout. However, the sloppy play persisted, allowing Washington to gradually chip away at the advantage.
Foul trouble also became a concern, with Kawhi Leonard, Immanuel Quickley and Colin Murray-Boyles each picking up their third personal foul.
The Raptors eventually settled down, with a timely scoring run from Ja’Kobe Walter, Scottie Barnes and Leonard helping rebuild their lead to 13 late in the quarter.
Anthony Davis began to find his footing after a relatively quiet first half, scoring late to bring Washington back within single digits.
It was far from a convincing first half for Toronto, but the Raptors did enough to take a 60-52 lead into the break.
Toronto’s struggles carried over into the third quarter, as continued fouls and miscommunication allowed the Wizards to cut the lead to three.
The Raptors’ offence, which had looked disjointed throughout the night, eventually found some momentum through Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, helping rebuild a six-point advantage.
Washington continued to respond with baskets of its own, but Jamal Shead provided a spark for Toronto, playing a key role in a run that extended the lead to 10 as the Wizards began to get sloppy.
However, Washington answered with an 11-2 run late in the quarter to close the gap once again. Toronto’s three-point shooting remained a major concern, going just 1-of-12 from beyond the arc in the frame, with Jamison Battle finally connecting from deep with 12 seconds remaining. The Raptors entered the fourth quarter clinging to an 81-77 lead.
Quickley gave the Raptors an early spark in the fourth, converting a tough floater through contact to extend the lead to six. Leonard followed with a three-pointer, while Barnes also found the basket, providing encouraging signs for a Toronto offence that had struggled to find consistency throughout the night.
Scottie Barnes continued to make his presence felt on both sides of the court, but the hosts refused to go down without a fight, knocking down back to back three pointers to keep the pressure on Toronto.
Barnes briefly appeared to be dealing with a knee issue, holding his knee before making his way to the bench under his own power. After a short spell on the sidelines, he returned to the game late in the frame.
Despite the Wizards’ late push, Toronto did enough to close out the contest, securing the victory.
The Raptors were shown a much tougher battle against the Wizards and they can expect another test on Sunday as they travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves. Tip-off is set for 7pm.
