The Toronto Raptors decisively defeated the Washington Wizards with a score of 132-102 during Wednesday’s NBA action, breaking their losing streaks and embarking on an extensive road trip.
Led by OG Anunoby’s 26 points and Pascal Siakam’s double-double of 22 points and 11 assists, the Raptors showcased a strong offensive performance. Scottie Barnes contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds, aiding the team in halting their three-game losing streak and a five-game slump on the road.
Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic attributed part of the success to facing the Wizards on the second night of their back-to-back games. He noted that lineup adjustments, including starting Gary Trent Jr. over Dennis Schroder, played a significant role. This change led to Toronto nearing their franchise record of 43 assists, set earlier this season.
“We got this team on the second night of a back-to-back,” Rajakovic said. “We took the opportunity that we had today against them. And this should be a good starting road trip for us.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards Updates
Meanwhile, the Wizards, led by Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole with 14 points each, suffered their third consecutive loss. Washington’s ongoing issues were evident, as they conceded over 130 points for the 14th time this season and continued to struggle in rebounding, a weak spot that coach Wes Unseld Jr. acknowledged.
“Some of it is we’re undersized a little bit,” Unseld said. “But I think it’s just a mindset as well. We can’t afford to ball-watch. I think at times we do.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards Updates
A pivotal moment in the game was Toronto’s 19-1 run between the first and second quarters, marking a significant shift in momentum. This surge included key contributions from Anunoby and Trent, and it was a period where Washington went 7:30 without scoring a field goal.
“Communication on defense, and then just flying around figuring stuff out,” Anunoby said. “And then rebounding and running.”
The Raptors extended their lead in the second quarter and maintained a strong position after halftime. They now look ahead to their next game against the Boston Celtics, while the Wizards will face the Atlanta Hawks at home.
