Raptors Move to 2-0 After Defensive Masterclass Against Wizards

A Defensive Stranglehold at Capital Arena

Twenty turnovers. That is the number that defined the night as the Toronto Raptors moved to 2-0 on the season with a 112-102 victory over the Washington Wizards on October 23, 2026. The contest, held at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., was captured by photographer Stephen Gosling.

While Toronto struggled to find its rhythm from long range—going just 1-of-12 from beyond the arc in the third frame—the game was won in the trenches. By limiting Washington to 38 percent shooting from the field, Toronto turned a night of offensive cold streaks into a masterclass in defensive pressure.

Neutralizing the Washington Frontcourt

The Wizards deployed a massive double-big lineup featuring Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton, flanked by Kyshawn George, Carlton Carrington, and Khris Middleton. Toronto countered by deploying Collin Murray-Boyles and Kawhi Leonard, maintaining a defensive posture that forced the hosts into an offensive rating of 68 during the first quarter.

Scottie Barnes anchored the effort, recording 14 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Alongside him, Collin Murray-Boyles proved disruptive, posting a plus-21 rating in just 18 minutes. “We just play hard, that’s all you can do,” Barnes said. “Play hard, try to be as physical as you can within what the refs allow.”

The Raptors utilized a defensive strategy similar to their playoff success against Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. This approach successfully stifled Davis, who was held to nine points on 3-of-12 shooting, while Washington posted a minus-13 in his 32 minutes of play.

RJ Barrett Powers Through Offensive Slumps

Offense proved difficult for key starters, with Immanuel Quickley and Kawhi Leonard both battling shooting woes. RJ Barrett stepped into the void, providing a team-high 23 points and nine rebounds to keep the Raptors afloat.

After Washington narrowed the gap to a single point late in the third quarter, Barnes took control, scoring 11 of his game-high 28 points in the final frame to put the game out of reach. The Raptors entered the fourth quarter with an 81-77 lead after Jamison Battle hit the team’s lone three-pointer of the period.

Rajakovic’s Vision for Defensive Honors

The team’s ball-hawking approach is no fluke. Head coach Darko Rajakovic continues to emphasize defensive discipline, even as the team integrates its early-season roster.

Looking Toward Minnesota

The road does not get easier. Toronto travels to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves on Sunday, October 25, at 7 p.m. ET. Kyshawn George contributed 11 points while integrating into a rotation featuring veterans Trae Young and Davis. Head coach Brian Keefe, meanwhile, continues to manage a deep roster, giving Will Riley his first minute of action in the final stages of the contest. As the team looks ahead, the talent depth across the Eastern Conference suggests the Raptors have as good of a chance as any to make a deep playoff run.

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