Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5) drives past Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) and scores during the first half of their NBA game on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
The Toronto Raptors put an end to their four-game skid with a hard-fought 112-104 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. Jakob Poeltl played a crucial role in the win, delivering 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley also shined, contributing 21 points and dishing out seven assists. Scottie Barnes nearly posted a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, helping Toronto regain momentum after their recent struggles.
Wizards' Losing Streak Continues
While the Raptors celebrated a much-needed victory, the Wizards' woes continued. The loss marked Washington’s fifth straight defeat, further deepening their struggles this season. Jordan Poole led the team’s offence with 23 points, while AJ Johnson provided a solid 17-point effort. Bob Carrington contributed across the board, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
However, the Wizards faced an early setback when Keyonte George suffered a left ankle sprain in the opening minutes of the game. The 21-year-old guard landed awkwardly while fighting for a rebound and was forced to exit. His absence weakened Washington’s backcourt, adding to their ongoing struggles.
Key Moment: Raptors Take Control Late
The game remained competitive for most of the night, with both teams exchanging baskets and keeping the score tight. But with just over two minutes remaining, the Raptors delivered the decisive blows. Ochai Agbaji soared for a powerful driving dunk, and A.J. Lawson followed with a quick layup, pushing Toronto’s lead to 108-98. This late surge proved too much for the Wizards to overcome, sealing the Raptors' victory.
Notable Milestone for Marcus Smart
Despite Washington’s loss, veteran guard Marcus Smart reached an impressive career milestone. Early in the second quarter, Smart sank his 1,000th career three-pointer, a testament to his consistency and long-range shooting ability over the years. However, his achievement wasn’t enough to lift the struggling Wizards.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With this victory, the Raptors hope to build momentum as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Wizards will look to snap their losing streak when they take on the Philadelphia 76ers the same night. With key injuries and ongoing struggles, Washington will need to find answers fast if they want to turn their season around.
