Kyle Kuzma Starts Hot in Washington Wizards’ Win Over the Toronto Raptors

• The Washington Wizards defeated the Toronto Raptors in a battle of Eastern Conference playoff contenders
• Kyle Kuzma led Washington in terms of scoring with 30 points
• The Raptors on road woes continued as they suffered yet another away defeat

The Washington Wizards extended their winning streak to two games with a 119-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

Five players scored in double-figures for the Wizards, who maintained sole possession of 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards, scoring 30 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out five assists in 35 minutes of action.

He shot 10 of 24 from the field, including 4 of 9 from beyond the arc. Kuzma set the tone for Washington, scoring the game’s first 10 points.

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The 27-year-old got help from his teammates, with three other Washington starters scoring double-digit points.

Porzingis stars in return

Kristaps Porzingis showed no lingering effects of the knee injury that held him out of the previous two games, recording 25 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

He also was a menace on the defensive end, posting two blocks and one steal, per ESPN.

Daniel Gafford and Bradley Beal chipped in 18 and 15 points, respectively. Delon Wright orchestrated the offense, nabbing a team-high 11 assists.

Raptors' road woes continue

With the victory, the Wizards moved within percentage points of ninth-place Toronto in the East standings.

It’s back to the drawing board for the Raptors, who dropped to 31-33 for the season. They have struggled on the road this campaign, with Thursday’s defeat their 20th road loss of the season.

The Raptors will meet the Wizards again at Capital One Arena this Saturday.

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Barton finds a new team

Sports Brief recently reported on the Washington Wizards waiving Will Barton.

The veteran guard became a free agent after the Wizards bought him out. He struggled during his time in the nation’s capital, averaging just 7.7 points per game in 40 appearances off the bench.

The Raptors acquired him before the March 1 deadline to add depth to their backcourt. They released Juancho Hernangomez in a corresponding move.