Mark matched

It’s nine and counting for the Toronto Raptors. All-star starter Kyle Lowry poured in 29 points as the Raptors matched their franchise-best nine-game winning streak, beating the Washington Wizards 106-89 on Tuesday. DeMar DeRozan added 17 points for the Raptors (30-15), who swept their four-game series with Washington. Terrence Ross added 15 points, while Jonas Valanciunas had 13 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, and Cory Joseph chipped in with 10 points. The Raptors tied the franchise-high nine consecutive games they set March 22 to April 9, 2002. They were ousted in the first round of the playoffs that season by Detroit. Head coach Dwane Casey said winning streaks are good for the fans, the organization and players’ confidence. “But it’s not worth a darn if you don’t go out there and back it up with hard play,” Casey said. “If you say ‘OK, we won eight in a row,’ or whatever it is, on the court you’re going to get your fanny whupped.”