In a historic performance, the Toronto Raptors dominated the Washington Wizards with a 119-104 victory, setting a franchise record with an impressive 73 rebounds in a single game. A.J. Lawson shone brightly, sinking seven 3-pointers and scoring a career-high 32 points while also grabbing 12 rebounds. Lawson's stellar performance was complemented by three other Raptors players achieving double-doubles, including fellow Toronto native RJ Barrett, who notched 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. The energy on the court was palpable as the Raptors showcased their strong rebounding prowess, with over 20 offensive boards for the third consecutive game.
The camaraderie among the Toronto players was evident, particularly between Lawson and Barrett, who have a long history of playing together since their middle school days. Their synergy on the court brought a sense of pride to the Raptors fans, with both Canadians making their mark in the NBA. Despite their shooting struggles, Toronto capitalized on their numerous second-chance opportunities, scoring 33 points off offensive rebounds against Washington. Coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the team's consistent focus on offensive rebounding, highlighting their relentless pursuit of possessions that ultimately led to their record-breaking rebounding performance on this memorable night in Toronto.