If the Toronto Raptors hoped to burn off the holiday calories with a crisp defensive performance in the nation’s capital, they instead found themselves stuck in a “Boxing Day Massacre.”
In what can only be described as a total system failure, the Toronto Raptors (18-14) allowed the 5-win Washington Wizards to explode for a season-high 138 points, falling 138-117 at Capital One Arena. It was a game where the Raptors’ #3-ranked scoring defense looked less like a wall and more like a welcome mat.
The Lead: A Defensive Identity Crisis
Coming into tonight, the Raptors prided themselves on holding opponents to just 111.6 PPG. Tonight, they gave up 72 in the first half alone. Washington shot a staggering 59.3% from the floor and 45.5% from deep, consistently beating Toronto in transition and punishing them for every missed assignment.
While the Raptors were shorthanded without RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, the lack of interior resistance was jarring. Washington won the battle in the paint and on the glass, out-rebounding Toronto 55-39.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown: The Slow Burn to a Blowout
1st Quarter: The Early Warning Signs
The game started with a flurry of blocks from Brandon Ingram, but Washington’s youth quickly took over. Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr established an early rhythm, while Toronto struggled to find their footing. A late spark from Ja’Kobe Walter (who finished with 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting) kept the Raptors within three, trailing 35-32.
2nd Quarter: The Perimeter Dam Breaks
The second frame was the CJ McCollum and Kyshawn George show. George was surgical, finishing the half with 18 points. Toronto’s bench, led by Sandro Mamukelashvili (13 first-half points), tried to keep pace, but Washington’s 10-0 run to close the half left the Raptors trailing 72-62.
3rd Quarter: The Ja’Kobe Walter Surge
The third quarter provided the only real hope for the North. Ja’Kobe Walter caught fire, scoring 15 points in the frame to help the Raptors claw back. Toronto actually outscored Washington in the third, heading into the final period down just two, 102-100. At this point, it looked like Toronto might escape the trap.
4th Quarter: The Total Collapse
Then, the wheels fell off. Washington opened the 4th on a 10-0 run (part of a larger 15-4 spurt). Every time the Raptors missed a shot—and they missed many, shooting just 44% for the game—Washington turned it into a highlight-reel dunk or an open corner three. Bilal Coulibaly (21 PTS) and Bub Carrington (15 PTS) were relentless.
With 3:50 remaining and the Raptors down 20, Darko Rajakovic pulled the starters, officially waving the white flag.
Player Pulse Check
| Player | Stats | The Verdict |
| Brandon Ingram | 29 PTS, 6 REB, 2 BLK | The only consistent offensive engine. Tried to carry the load but was a -14. |
| Scottie Barnes | 14 PTS, 7 AST, 4 REB | Clearly hampered by illness. Battled hard but lacked his usual explosive “takeover” gear. |
| Immanuel Quickley | 25 PTS, 5 AST, 3 STL | Solid scoring night, but struggled to contain Washington’s guards at the point of attack. |
| Ja’Kobe Walter | 15 PTS (5/7 FG) | The silver lining. His 3rd quarter performance was the only reason this was a game. |
| S. Mamukelashvili | 13 PTS, 11 REB | Did his best to fill the Poeltl void, but the team missed Jakob’s rim protection dearly. |
Key Stat: 138 Points Allowed
You cannot win NBA games—especially on the road—allowing a team to shoot nearly 60% from the field. Washington’s 26 assists to Toronto’s 25 tells part of the story, but the -16 rebounding margin was the ultimate nail in the coffin.
Looking Ahead: The Long Flight Home
The Raptors return to Toronto for a massive five-game homestand starting next week. They need to find their defensive teeth—and fast. With the #4 seed now looking vulnerable, the return of Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett can’t come soon enough.
Toronto Sports Pulse Take: This was an embarrassing loss, but perhaps a necessary wake-up call. The “Next Man Up” mentality only works if the “Next Man” plays defense.