Raptors 97, Wizards 88
WASHINGTON -- Guard DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 35 points as the Toronto Raptors continued their regular season dominance over the Washington Wizards with a 97-88 victory Friday.
Guard Kyle Lowry had 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter plus 10 rebounds for the Raptors (23-15), who are 3-0 against the Wizards this season and have won six straight non-playoff games in the series. Toronto, in the middle of a five-game road trip, took the lead for good with a 22-6 run closing the third quarter.
Washington swept Toronto out of the opening round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs, but repeatedly comes up short otherwise against its Eastern Conference rival. Guard John Wall scored 21 points for the Wizards (15-19), but had seven turnovers and only four assists. Since winning four straight in December, Washington has lost five of six games including two against Toronto. Forward Otto Porter had 16 points.
DeRozan's previous season-high of 34 points came in Toronto's 94-91 home victory on Dec. 30 against Washington. He went 15 of 15 on free throw attempts in the Raptors final game on the 2015 calendar.
The All-Star guard once again feasted from the free throw line against Washington, hitting 12 of 13. Toronto made 24 of 26.
Lowry's third 3-pointer gave the Raptors their largest lead at 85-71 with 5:41 remaining.
Washington closed within six by scoring six points in 15 seconds on Porter's 3-point play and Wall's 3-pointer. Guard Ramon Sessions scored 14 points and his layup pulled the Wizard closer at 91-85 with 2:13 left. DeRozan countered with a jumper and two free throws.
The Raptors won the previous four meetings by four points or fewer. Toronto triumphed 84-82 in Washington on Nov. 28 on guard Cory Joseph's buzzer-beating 3-pointer.
Forward James Johnson had eight points and nine rebounds in his third straight start. Johnson replaced DeMarre Carroll, who had arthroscopic right knee surgery Jan. 6.
Toronto outrebounded Washington 47-35 and scored 17 second-chance points, 10 more than the Wizards. Forward Luis Scola scored 11 points for the Raptors, who overcame 22 turnovers.
Washington shot 39.3 percent from the field.
Turnovers dominated the first half with each team reaching double figures before entering the locker room tied 47-47.
Raptors forward Terrance Ross left in second half with a lower back injury and did not return.
NOTES: Wizards F Kris Humphries missed his second straight game with a knee injury. F Drew Gooden played after sitting out the previous two games with a calf strain. ... According to Elias Sports Bureau, Friday marks exactly two years since the Raptors last had a record below .500. The Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are the only other teams to maintain a record better than .500 during that span. ... Toronto plays at the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, the same night Washington visits Orlando. The Wizards are 3-0 against the Magic this season and have won 11 straight in the series.