Alex Sarr’s NBA journey is starting to turn heads - and Friday night in Toronto, he gave fans and coaches alike another reason to believe he’s just getting started.
The 7-footer is in his sophomore season with the Washington Wizards, and while the team’s record hasn’t been much to write home about, Sarr’s individual development has been one of the brighter spots. His performance against the Raptors was another example of that upward trajectory - a blend of efficiency, versatility, and poise that’s becoming more consistent by the game.
In just 24 minutes of action, Sarr filled the stat sheet: 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting, three rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and a steal. He even knocked down his lone three-point attempt, showing off the kind of range that makes modern bigs so valuable.
It wasn’t just the numbers, though - it was the way he played. Confident, composed, and impactful on both ends.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic took notice. After the game, he praised Sarr’s growth, noting how the young center is “maturing as a player and getting better” every time he sees him. That’s not just coach-speak - it’s a nod of respect from an opposing bench boss who’s seen enough to know when a player is turning the corner.
And Sarr’s effort came in a game where Washington didn’t just win - they dominated. The Wizards pulled away late to stun the Raptors 138-117 in a game that was neck-and-neck through three quarters.
Heading into the fourth, it was just a two-point game at 102-100. Then Washington flipped the switch, outscoring Toronto 36-17 in the final frame and sealing one of their most complete wins of the season.
So what changed in that fourth quarter? For starters, the Wizards started winning the battle in the trenches - shot selection, rebounding, and points in the paint.
They shot a scorching 59% from the field for the game, pulled down 46 rebounds, and poured in 62 points in the paint. Toronto, by comparison, hit just 44% of their shots, grabbed 33 boards, and managed only 44 points inside.
It wasn’t just Sarr doing the damage either. Washington had six players in double figures, a balanced scoring effort that gave the Raptors trouble all night.
Kyshawn George led the way with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block, shooting 9-of-13 from the floor and 3-of-5 from deep. CJ McCollum added 21 points and four assists, Bilal Coulibaly chipped in 21 and eight boards, Bub Carrington matched Sarr with 15 points and four assists, and Tre Johnson added 12 points off the bench.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic on Alex Sarr:
— Bijan Todd (@bijan_todd) December 26, 2025
“Every time I see him, I see that he’s maturing as a player and getting better.” pic.twitter.com/ZCfrTJgxzi
For a team that’s struggled to find rhythm this season, this was the kind of performance that shows what the Wizards can be when the pieces click. They’re now 6-23 on the year, still sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but there’s a glimmer of momentum here. They’ve pulled a game ahead of the Indiana Pacers and are within striking distance of the Nets and Hornets.
Next up? A home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 28 at 3 p.m. ET - another chance for Sarr to keep building, and for the Wizards to keep climbing.