Wizards fall short in thriller as Raptors hold off late surge for 113-112 victory. SportsNet
The Toronto Raptors delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, crushing the Washington Wizards 140-110 to clinch East Group A and advance to the NBA Cup quarterfinals for the first time. The win, paired with the Indiana Pacers’ loss to Cleveland, sealed Toronto’s path to the knockout stage of the in-season tournament.
Raptors Focus on the Moment — With One Exception
Head coach Darko Rajakovic typically pushes his team to focus only on the next game. But before tip-off, the Raptors acknowledged the stakes. A victory, combined with an Indiana loss, would secure their NBA Cup advancement.
Reserve centre Sandro Mamukelashvili said the team embraced the urgency.
“Everybody said not to play around with this game,” he noted. “We came out, took care of business, and now we lock in for the next step.”
Despite excitement about reaching the next phase, Mamukelashvili echoed the team’s mantra: the job isn’t done.
Raptors Deliver Statement Win
Toronto’s focus translated into one of their most complete performances of the season. With the Pacers falling to Cleveland earlier in the evening, the Raptors stepped onto their home court knowing their NBA Cup future was in their hands.
They responded with a 30-point rout.
Brandon Ingram led the charge with 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, showing full command on both ends.
RJ Barrett added 24 points and eight rebounds, continuing his strong two-way play.
Scottie Barnes contributed 23 points, including a dominant 14-point third quarter that broke the game open.
Mamukelashvili added 23 points and seven rebounds, providing major bench production.
Barnes admitted he “wasn’t thinking about” the NBA Cup implications at first, but once the team learned a win would send them through, the motivation surged.
Raptors Rise in Standings
With the win, the Raptors improved to 11-5, extending their winning streak to six games. They now sit atop the Atlantic Division, one game ahead of the New York Knicks, and hold the second-best record in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons.
Rajakovic said success in the NBA Cup is encouraging, but the ultimate priority remains the NBA playoffs. Still, he stressed the value of high-pressure tournament games for a young roster.
“It’s going to be a different feeling for us,” Rajakovic said. “One game can decide if you reach the final four. We want that chance, and the team is excited.”
What’s Next in the NBA Cup
The NBA Cup quarterfinals will be played at participating teams’ home arenas. If Toronto wins its next matchup, the team will head to Las Vegas, where the semifinals and championship game will be held at T-Mobile Arena.
Barnes, smiling, hinted at the financial incentives tied to the NBA Cup.
“Think you get like a little bonus too,” he joked. “But I’m just happy we’re winning games. Let’s try to get to Vegas.”
Momentum Builds as Raptors Chase NBA Cup Glory
With the team clicking on both ends of the floor, the Raptors have positioned themselves as a strong contender in the NBA Cup. The dominant win over the Wizards showcased depth, discipline, and rising confidence — all essential as Toronto prepares for its first-ever appearance in the NBA Cup knockout stage.
For now, the mission is simple: stay locked in, keep winning, and make a push toward Las Vegas.
