WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Terrence Ross made three 3-pointers early in a big third period Friday, sending Toronto to its fifth straight victory with a 101-88 decision over Washington.
The Raptors outscored the Wizards by 20 in the third quarter to build a 23-point lead and held on to move a game above the .500 mark for the first time since the opening week of the season.
Toronto is one of four teams in the Eastern Conference with a winning record, joining Indiana, Miami and Atlanta.
Ross scored nine of Toronto's first 11 points in the third, during which the Raptors produced 36 points. Washington shot just 18 percent in the period and turned the ball over seven times.
DeMar DeRozan led Toronto with 20 points and Kyle Lowry added 19 points to go with 11 assists. Patrick Patterson chipped in 18 points, Amir Johnson finished with 17 and Ross scored 14.
Toronto had won no more than two in a row this season before embarking on its current streak. The Raptors have claimed seven out of eight.
Nene scored 15 points for the Wizards, who have lost consecutive games.
