Last night the Toronto Raptors dropped a 138 to 117 game on the road against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. It was a tough loss and one that didn’t go the way fans hoped, but if you’ve been watching this team all season you know there’s a lot still to feel good about. The Raptors competed, they stayed in it for stretches, and even in defeat they showed the energy and spirit that has made this year fun.
How the Game Played Out
Brooklyn’s win earlier in the week may have been a setback, but Toronto came out ready to compete. The Wizards built an early lead and held onto it thanks to strong shooting and transition points. Washington found open looks and executed down the stretch to pull away in the second half. The Raptors answered several times and kept it within reach at different points, but ultimately, the Wizards’ balanced scoring and fourth quarter surge secured the win.
Standout Performances
For the Wizards, Kyshawn George led all scorers with 23 points, showing a hot hand and efficiency on midrange and three point attempts. CJ McCollum and Bilal Coulibaly each added 21 points, keeping the offense flowing when Washington needed it. Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington also contributed 15 points apiece, giving the Wizards great balance. Tre Johnson chipped in 12, rounding out a deep performance from the home side.
For the Raptors, Brandon Ingram carried the scoring with 29 points, attacking the paint and finding his rhythm when the offence needed a spark. Immanuel Quickley poured in 25 points, showing his scoring versatility both from beyond the arc and in pull-up situations. Ja’Kobe Walter added 15 points off the bench, giving Toronto an offensive boost. Scottie Barnes had 14 points and seven assists, and Sandro Mamukelashvili finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, showing grit on both ends of the floor.
The Raptors cut an 11-point halftime deficit to just three in the third quarter with buckets from Barnes and Ingram, even forcing a Washington timeout at one point. That competitiveness shows the heart of this group even when things get tough.
Are They Still Near the Top of the East?
Yes. A loss like this did not erase all of what the Raptors have done this year. After this game their record sat around 18 and 14, keeping them competitive near the upper tier of the Eastern Conference. They were still in the hunt for a top seed and not far behind first place. Being that close this deep into December is exactly the kind of progress fans have been hoping for.
To stay in that position or climb higher, the Raptors need to keep tightening up on defence and limiting easy transition opportunities for teams that like to push the pace like Washington did last night. They also need to keep sharing the ball and making every shot count when the defence clamps down.
What Needs to Happen Next
Looking forward:
• Get healthy rotation pieces back into the lineup so the bench can provide more consistent minutes.
• Improve defensive communication so teams do not get open threes or easy lanes to the rim.
• Own the fourth quarter by limiting turnovers and making the shots that keep games close.
This team is learning how to win, how to compete, and how to bounce back. Losses are part of the journey, but the way they respond and keep fighting makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts from a Long Time Fan
I have seen seasons where losses like this felt deflating and gutting. This one did not feel like that. This one felt like a team that fought, showed heart, and just ran into a hot shooting night from the opponent. Even in defeat Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes and the rest of this roster showed why we are excited about this season.
It’s a long year. Teams go through ups and downs. But when this squad is clicking they are fun, they are competitive, and they are scary good. I still believe this group is building toward something special. I’m watching every game, cheering every run, and imagining how good they will be come spring.
👏 Go Raptors Go 👏
