During a preseason NBA game in Montreal on Sunday, October 6, 2024, Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher fouled Washington Wizards Marvin Bagley III during the first half. The game was part of the NBA's preseason action. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi.
The Toronto Raptors opened their pre-season with a powerful 125-98 win over the Washington Wizards in Montreal on Sunday night. Although stars Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley were sidelined, hometown hero Chris Boucher shined in front of a sellout crowd at the Bell Centre. Boucher, who grew up in Montreal, made his mark with 13 points and six rebounds off the bench in just 17 minutes. His performance thrilled his family and local supporters, as he hit 5-of-9 shots from the field.
Reflecting on his second NBA pre-season game in his hometown, Boucher expressed deep gratitude for the support he received. “The fans embrace us when we’re here, and you can feel the love,” Boucher said. “I’m glad we played well and gave them a good show.”
The Raptors' early dominance was led by RJ Barrett, who posted 17 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting in just 14 minutes before a shoulder injury took him out of the game. He collided with Wizards’ big man Jonas Valanciunas and later left with a bruised right shoulder. Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković shared that Barrett would undergo further evaluation on Monday.
In addition to Boucher and Barrett, several other Raptors contributed solid performances. Gradey Dick, Kelly Olynyk, and others added 10 points each, while Jamal Shead and Davion Mitchell combined for nine assists. On the Wizards’ side, Jordan Poole led with 16 points and six assists, and Montreal-born Kyshawn George, in his NBA debut, added eight points in front of an enthusiastic group of family members. George enjoyed playing his first NBA game before his family, calling the experience a "blessing."
The Bell Centre was packed with notable figures, including Canadian Olympian Natalie Achonwa and former Raptors legend Vince Carter. Carter, whose jersey the Raptors will retire on November 2, received a roaring ovation from the crowd.
The Raptors took control of the game early with a 13-2 run and built a comfortable lead that the Wizards struggled to challenge. By the end of the first quarter, Toronto led 34-16, fuelled by Barrett and Dick’s stellar performances. Although Washington showed some fight in the second quarter, narrowing the deficit slightly, the Raptors maintained a solid 56-38 lead at halftime.
Chris Boucher continued his strong play in the third quarter, but the Wizards made a push, cutting the lead to 15 points at one stage, led by Alexandre Sarr and Kyshawn George. Despite Washington's effort, Toronto’s deep bench stepped up in the final quarter, with Jamison Battle hitting two three-pointers to help the Raptors seal the victory.
Looking ahead, the Raptors will face the Wizards again on Friday before continuing their pre-season with a home-and-home series against the Boston Celtics. The team will wrap up its pre-season schedule against the Brooklyn Nets on October 18 and begin their 30th anniversary season at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 23.
