Darko Rajaković’s Toronto Raptors displayed significant defensive resilience in a gritty 112-102 road victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Following a 43-point blowout on opening night, the Raptors faced a stiffer test at Capital One Arena but held firm down the stretch to improve to 2-0 in the 2026-27 NBA season. Rajaković praised the squad’s ability to execute under pressure, emphasizing the critical importance of finding alternative paths to victory when shooting consistency wavers. “The fight in finding a way to win tonight was very important,” the head coach told reporters, highlighting the team’s collective commitment to physicality and execution.
Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett power gritty 112-102 road victory, securing back-to-back wins.
Toronto backed up that mentality with a dominant performance inside the paint, where they completely controlled the glass and the rim. The Raptors outrebounded Washington 53-40, securing 19 offensive rebounds that led to crucial second-chance points. This interior advantage translated directly to scoring, as Toronto outscored the Wizards 52-32 in the paint. Scottie Barnes anchored the effort with a near-triple-double, leading all scorers with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. RJ Barrett provided complementary firepower with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 16 points, nine boards, and three steals in just 28 minutes.
The win marks a crucial milestone for the Raptors, proving they can win in multiple ways beyond high-volume shooting. By leveraging their size and rebounding prowess, Toronto neutralized Washington’s perimeter threats and dictated the pace of the game. Rajaković’s emphasis on resilience has already paid dividends, as the team has now secured two consecutive victories to start the season. With Barnes and Barrett finding their rhythm and Leonard managing his minutes effectively, the Raptors have established a strong foundation for a competitive campaign, demonstrating that their depth and defensive intensity are sufficient to overcome tougher opponents.
Source: Yahoo Sports
