TORONTO – Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic doesn't like to get ahead of himself, instead forcing his players to simply focus on the game in front of them.
On Friday night they made one small exception.
As they prepare to play the Washington Wizards, the Raptors talked about how a win — coupled with a loss to the Indiana Pacers — would help them advance to the Emirates NBA Cup playoffs for the first time in the intraseason tournament's three-year history.
“Everyone said don't play this game and just come out with the mindset of just going out and getting a great win to make sure we qualify,” reserve center Sandro Mamukelashvili said. “I think we got it done, we did it, now we just have to get ready for the next game, but we’re very happy.
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“Like everyone says, the job isn't done yet. We just have to get out there and somehow get to Vegas.”
That focus paid dividends as Toronto cruised to a 140-110 win over Washington. Indiana lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-109 earlier in the evening, meaning that when the Raptors left Scotiabank Arena they had won the East Group A and became the first team to earn a berth in the NBA Cup quarterfinals this season.
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Brandon Ingram had 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists to lead Toronto (11-5) to its sixth straight win.
R.J. Barrett, of Mississauga, Ont., scored 24 points and knocked down eight boards, Scotty Barnes added 23 points, including 14 in the third quarter, and Mamukelashvili had 23 points and seven rebounds.
“I didn't really think about it,” Barnes said of his NBA Cup run. “You know, we're just playing.
“We were told today that if we win we will advance, so we knew it was an important game for us.”
The Raptors are in first place in the Atlantic Division, a game ahead of the New York Knicks, and in second place in the Eastern Conference, 2 1/2 games behind the Detroit Pistons.
Rajakovic said success in the NBA Cup is secondary to making the playoffs, but that important games in the tournament could help Toronto's young core late in the season.
“It’s going to be a very different feeling for us because it’s going to be one game that can decide whether you make it to the Final Four or not?” – said Rajakovic. “We definitely have the vision and desire to be there.
“I'm really excited about the opportunity to play. I think the team will be excited about the opportunity as well.”
The NBA Cup quarterfinals will be held at the teams' home arenas, while the semifinals and finals will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“I think you’ll get a little bonus too,” Barnes smiled. “It’s good, but I’m just glad we’re winning games and we’ll try to go to Vegas to play.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
