The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 122-118, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday.

While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for the Raptors, they held the lead for the final 45 minutes of play. In fact, Toronto rode a 40-23 first quarter to a big first-half lead and Washington could never recapture it from there despite tying the game midway through the fourth quarter. Toronto ended up shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. While not winning by much, the Raptors won the rebounding, assists and block differentials as well.

The Wizards (8-19) were led by Bradley Beal, who tallied 37 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Isaiah Thomas amassed 13 points, two rebounds and five assists. Davis Bertans generated 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists on just 3-of-15 from the field. Ish Smith shot 9-of-9 off the bench to finish with 26 points and two assists.

The Raptors (20-8) had to play this game without Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol and Norman Powell but Kyle Lowry led the way with 26 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Serge Ibaka accumulated 23 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. OG Anunoby provided 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists while Fred VanVleet collected 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

On deck for Washington is another road game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. As for Toronto, they play host to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday for their next outing.