Brandon Ingram showcased an impressive performance with 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, leading the Toronto Raptors to a convincing 140-110 victory over the Washington Wizards in the Emirates NBA Cup on Friday.
The Raptors’ triumph over Washington, combined with the Indiana Pacers’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, secured Toronto’s spot in the knockout rounds of the ongoing in-season tournament, marking a significant milestone as they advanced beyond the NBA Cup’s group stage for the first time this season.
RJ Barrett, hailing from Mississauga, Ont., contributed 24 points and eight rebounds to Toronto’s success, while Scottie Barnes shone with 23 points, 14 of which came in a dominant third quarter. In addition, reserve center Sandro Mamukelashvili added 23 points and seven rebounds for the Raptors.
On the Wizards’ side, CJ McCollum led with 20 points, but it was not enough to halt their 13th consecutive defeat. Tre Johnson and Kyshawn George also made notable contributions off the bench for Washington.
The game saw both teams resting their starters with over four minutes remaining.
Notable Takeaways:
Wizards: McCollum stood out as the only member of Washington’s starting lineup to reach double-digit scoring, highlighting the team’s reliance on their bench players as the game progressed.
Raptors: Toronto held a comfortable lead at halftime, but it was the explosive third quarter that pushed them ahead, with Barnes leading the charge.
Key Highlights:
The game started with a dunk by Washington’s Bilal Coulibaly, but the Raptors quickly responded with an 11-point surge, setting the tone for their commanding performance.
Key Stat:
Toronto’s proficiency beyond the arc was a key factor in their victory, shooting 48.3% from three-point range compared to the Wizards’ 29.3% shooting.
Upcoming Matches:
Toronto: The Raptors will look to extend their winning streak as they face the Brooklyn Nets at home on Sunday.
Washington: The Wizards are set to take on the Chicago Bulls on the road on Saturday.