The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Washington Wizards, 117-113, at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
Despite missing Kawhi Leonard (rest) the Raptors earned an impressive win in Washington. The Wizards started out well, but the Raptors overtook them late in the quarter to hold a 24-22 advantage heading into the second. The second quarter stayed close until Toronto pulled away late to amass a 10-point. However, the Wizards came right back with an 11-4 run, to cut the deficit to just three, heading into halftime. The Wizards continued their push into the third quarter, where they squeezed ahead and held a three-point lead with 5:27 to go in the quarter. The Raptors turned it around again as they closed the quarter on a 20-9 run, to take a 90-82 advantage into the final frame. The Raptors pushed their lead to 13, midway through the fourth, but the Wizards were not done yet, as they made it a two-point game with just 38 seconds left. However, a clutch shot by Fred VanVleet ensured the Raptors remain undefeated on the season, with their third straight win.
Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 28 points, 12 assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, in 34 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas and Serge Ibaka chipped in 16 points each, as well as provided a combined16 rebounds. Fred VanVleet added 13 points, five assists and four rebounds, in 26 minutes off the bench. The Raptors shot 44 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal had a big night with 32 points, six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, while John Wall followed up with 25 points, six assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block.
The Wizards (0-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday. The Raptors (3-0) host the Hornets on Monday.
