The Toronto Raptors (23-15) defeated the Washington Wizards (15-19) 97-88 on Friday.
If this keeps up, DeMar DeRozan's approval rating in Washington is going to sink faster than that of some politicans.The Raptors' shooting guard has been positively deadly against the Wizards this season, and particularly the last two games. Just eight days ago, he blasted Washington for 34 points, six rebounds, five assists, a pair of steals and a pair of blocks in Toronto. Friday, the nation's capital was the scene of the crime, with the 26-year-old besting his prior effort by tallying 35 points, equaling his season high with eight rebounds, and adding an assist, a block and a steal. Factoring in his 20-point outing in the season's initial meeting between the two teams back on Nov. 28, and DeRozan has now averaged just under 30 points per contest against one of the worst defenses in the league versus shooting guards.
Backcourt mate Kyle Lowry played second banana to DeRozan on this night, but still managed an impressive double-double. He totaled 21 points and added 10 boards, four assists, four steals and a block, with the only blemish being his six turnovers. Luis Scola was the only other starter whose points reached double figures, with the power forward posting 11 points and hauling in five rebounds. Corey Joseph led the reserves with eight points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Raptors improved to 23-15 and remain atop the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division. They head to Philadelphia for a Saturday showdown with the Sixers.
As customary, John Wall led the way for Washington with 21 points, four assists and three blocks. However, like his counterpart on the Raptors, he was a bit careless with the ball, committing seven turnovers. Otto Porter was next on the totem pole, collecting 16 points, five rebounds, three assist, a pair of steals and a block. Marcin Gortat, who along with Wall has been one of the main sources of offensive production during Bradley Beal's absence, was the only other starter with double-digit points. The Wizards' big man posted a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that he supplemented with three assists and three blocks. Ramon Sessions put together one of his typically productive efforts off the bench to pace the Washington reserves, pouring in 14 points and adding four rebounds, an assist and a block.
The Wizards fell to 15-19 and remain in last place in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division. They head to Orlando for a Saturday afternoon showdown versus the Magic.
