By Adrian Stewart Co
Washington Wizards pulled off a come-from-behind 131-129 escape over Toronto Raptors in the 2020-2021 NBA Season on Thursday night (Friday in the Philippines) at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Bradley Beal top-scored with 28 points, Raul Neto chipped in career-high 25 markers, while Robin Lopez contributed 24 points as the Wizards hiked its record to 31-36.
Russell Westbrook had another triple-double of 17 rebounds, 17 assists and 13 points, while David Bertans and Alex Len added 14 and 10 markers, respectively, for Washington.
After failing to finish off the Raptors in regulation, the Wizards started strong in overtime behind conversions from Beal, Westbrook and Lopez to build a 126-120 advantage.
The Raptors clawed its way back to within 129-130 before Wizards widened the lead to 131-129 on Neto free throw. Toronto had a chance to win it but Pascal Siakam misfired his triple.
Siakam finished with career-high 44 points to go along with 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet added 25 and 22 for the Raptors, which dropped to 27-40.
Eastern Conference last placer Detroit Pistons (20-47), meanwhile, cruised to a stunning 111-97 win over Memphis Grizzlies (33-33), which were fighting for a playoffs spot in the Western Conference.
Wayne Ellington and Cory Joseph top-scored with 18 points apiece, while rookie Isaiah Stewart added 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for the Pistons.
In other results, Indiana Pacers walloped Atlanta Hawks, 133-126, while Chicago Bulls kept its playoffs hopes alive with a 120-99 triumph over Charlotte Hornets.
BOX SCORE:
WASHINGTON 131 – Beal 28, Neto 25, Lopez 24, Bertans 14, Westbrook 13, Len 10, Matthews 8, Hutchinson 7, Smith 2, Gill 0, Gafford 0.
TORONTO 129 – Siakam 44, Trent 25, VanVleet 22, Birch 17, Bembry 10, Flynn 4, Gillespie 3, Hood 2, Harris 2, Johnson 0.
Quarterscores: 31-33, 51-60, 82-86, 115-115, 131-129./ASC, WDJ