Jordan Poole delivered a 34-point performance to lead the Washington Wizards to a 118-117 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. The game ended in dramatic fashion when Jamal Shead’s potential game-winning layup was ruled late after a video review.
The Wizards, who hold the worst record in the NBA at 13-49, secured their second consecutive win. Bilal Coulibaly contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Washington capitalized on Jakob Poeltl’s absence late in the game due to a minutes restriction.
RJ Barrett paced the Raptors with 23 points, and Poeltl added 21 before being sidelined. Toronto, now 21-43, was missing key players, including Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, and Ochai Agbaji.
Washington built an early advantage with a 69-point first half, but the Raptors countered in the fourth quarter. Shead’s final shot initially appeared to be a buzzer-beater, but replay officials confirmed the ball was still in his hands when time expired.
Poole shot 12-for-20 from the field, including 7-of-12 from three-point range, and added five assists. Coulibaly dominated on the glass, securing eight offensive rebounds to help Washington control second-chance opportunities.
The Wizards also received solid contributions from Khris Middleton, who had 12 points, and Richaun Holmes, who grabbed 11 rebounds off the bench. Corey Kispert added 12 points as Washington’s reserves outscored Toronto’s bench 39-37.
Scottie Barnes struggled with efficiency, shooting 4-for-16 but managed to score 18 points, thanks to nine free throws. Shead finished with 11 points and nine assists, while Jared Rhoden provided a spark off the bench with 13 points.
Toronto shot 90% from the free-throw line, but Washington’s advantage on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 50-49, played a crucial role in the outcome. The Wizards also held a slight edge in three-point shooting, hitting 13-of-38 compared to Toronto’s 10-of-26.
