Raptors Blast Wizards to Become First NBA Cup Quarterfinalists
So, let’s talk about what went down between the Raptors and the Wizards — because this one wasn’t just another regular-season win. It turned into a statement night for Toronto, and honestly, you could feel that energy from the opening tip. The Raptors didn’t just beat Washington; they absolutely steamrolled them 140–110, and that win officially made them the first team to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals this year.
Now, this achievement may look like a small step in the grand scheme of an 82-game season, but for a franchise that hasn’t enjoyed many big moments in the last few years, it was a breath of fresh air. You could see it in the players’ reactions. Sandro Mamukelashvili said it straight — the whole team came in with the mentality that nothing should be taken lightly. It was all about handling business and punching that ticket to the next round.
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And they handled business, all right.
Toronto dominated Washington — a team sitting at 1–14 — in every possible category. The Raptors had four players scoring at least 23 points: RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram with 24 each, and Scottie Barnes and Mamukelashvili adding 23. Everything just flowed. The ball movement was crisp, the spacing was perfect, and once again, the team crossed the 30-assist mark. To top it off, they shot over 50 percent from the field for the fifth straight game — something that hadn’t been done before in Raptors history.
What really blew the game open, though, was that insane third quarter. Toronto went on a record-setting tear, dropping 48 points in just 12 minutes. They shot nearly 80 percent, grabbed steals, forced turnovers, and turned defense into those beautiful fast-break buckets. And the crazy part? This came right after a 44-point third quarter against Philly earlier in the week. So clearly something is clicking in those halftime adjustments.
Coach Darko Rajaković mentioned it beforehand — these Cup games require seriousness and focus because every possession carries weight. And the team responded exactly the way he hoped. The Raptors now stand at 3-0 in the tournament with one group-stage game left, and whether they host the quarterfinal or travel will be settled once the rest of the field finishes play.
There was also some off-court news with assistant coach Jama Mahlalela deciding to stay in Toronto instead of pursuing a WNBA head coaching job. It shows the kind of loyalty and culture the Raptors have been building behind the scenes.
And defensively? Toronto continues to suffocate teams from beyond the arc. The Wizards were held to 5-for-23 from deep in the first half. Rajaković said it’s still early to lock in trends, but he acknowledged that contesting shots and controlling the paint remain top priorities.
For Raptors fans, this run is doing more than boosting the standings — it’s restoring belief. And for the players, it’s simple: don’t worry about the noise, just play the right way and the wins, the respect, and the national pride will follow.
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