The Toronto Raptors held off a furious late surge by the Washington Wizards to secure a thrilling 113-112 victory on November 21, 2025. Playing at Scotiabank Arena in the NBA Cup group stage, the Raptors extended their winning streak to six consecutive games. The nail-biter showcased Toronto’s resilience against a desperate Wizards squad looking to snap a brutal 12-game losing streak.
Jackson State falls short vs No. 21 Arkansas 84-83 in tight thriller
Timberwolves dominate Suns historically, favored 4.5 points with hot form heading into matchup
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Final Score: Raptors 113, Wizards 112 in NBA Cup play on Nov. 21
- Brandon Ingram & RJ Barrett each scored 22 points for Toronto
- Jakob Poeltl added 19 points and 8 rebounds in the clutch
- Wizards now sit at 1-13 record, worst in the NBA
- Raptors improved to 10-5, sitting second in Eastern Conference
Raptors Rally Past Desperate Wizards in Tight Contest
The Raptors faced a Washington squad fighting to avoid complete collapse. With a 1-13 record, the Wizards desperately needed any positive result. But Toronto’s stars stepped up when it mattered most. Brandon Ingram’s 22-point performance set the tone early. RJ Barrett matched that effort perfectly throughout the game. The duo’s 44 combined points proved too much for Washington’s depleted roster.
Hurricanes back divisional brawl against favored Jets; Winnipeg 58% prediction despite injury blow to goaltending
NZ aims for historic 3-0 sweep as West Indies hunt redemption in Hamilton ODI
Jakob Poeltl’s interior presence made the difference down the stretch. The center controlled the paint with 19 points and 8 boards. Immanuel Quickley chipped in 18 points, including crucial late-game attempts. The Raptors’ offensive balance overwhelmed Washington’s porous defense, which allowed 119.9 points per game. Yet the Wizards refused to fade quietly. A comeback attempt in the final minutes made everyone nervous.
Wizards Show Fight Despite Historic Struggles
Alex Sarr led the Wizards with solid effort, averaging 18.3 points per game this season. The young center played with 51.9% accuracy from the field. Still, Washington’s depleted roster simply lacked the firepower. The Wizards have now lost 12 straight games. Their 1-13 record represents the worst mark in the NBA right now. It’s been rough going for the franchise in 2025.
The Wizards’ defense allowed 128.9 points per game coming into the contest. That defensive vulnerability showed throughout. Toronto’s shooters found rhythm early. The Raptors shot 50% from the field compared to Washington’s 46%. Free throw shooting proved crucial too. Toronto’s 87.8% accuracy at the line won the game in the end.
Key Stats and Matchup Breakdown
The game showcased the massive talent gap between these teams. Check out the detailed breakdown below:
| Statistic | Wizards | Raptors |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 112.6 | 119.9 |
| Field Goal % | 46% | 50% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 43.9 | 41.7 |
| Assists Per Game | 25.2 | 30.1 |
| Steals Per Game | 6.5 | 8.6 |
| Current Record | 1-13 | 10-5 |
The Raptors’ balanced attack proved far superior. Toronto’s 30.1 assists per game dwarfed Washington’s 25.2. The Raptors also forced more turnovers with 8.6 steals versus 6.5. These small margins add up. Toronto’s defensive intensity suffocated the Wizards whenever they mounted pressure.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Raptors enter their next stretch riding high at 10-5. They sit in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Wizards, meanwhile, need immediate answers. With 12 consecutive losses, the organization faces serious questions. The franchise must find a way to turn things around before December. These NBA Cup games offer crucial opportunities for both squads.
- The Raptors will look to extend their streak in upcoming games.
- Can Washington finally end its losing streak soon?
- The Wizards host tougher competition next week.
- For Toronto, expect continued contender-level play.
- Eastern Conference playoff implications grow clearer weekly.
Can the Raptors Keep This Momentum Rolling Forward?
This victory against the Wizards felt routine for Toronto, but don’t overlook the stakes. The Raptors have quietly become an Eastern Conference threat. Their 10-5 record after just 15 games shows real promise. Brandon Ingram’s integration into the roster has transformed the team completely. Jakob Poeltl’s interior dominance gives them advantages most teams can’t match. Will the Raptors maintain this pace into the season’s second half?
Watch the full game highlights here:
The Raptors look like genuine contenders now. Their 5-game winning streak before this game proved it’s no fluke. Can they stay hungry? Can they avoid complacency? The NBA Cup competition provides a perfect measuring stick for where they stand against top talent.
Sources
- ESPN – Game coverage and official statistics from Nov. 21, 2025
- NBA.com – Player stats and team performance metrics
- TSN Sports – Canadian sports coverage and analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.