The Raptors ended their three-game trip with two losses and just as many lost players.

Despite a weakened bench and a lack of energy because of back-to-back games, the Raptors competed last night but fell 99-94 to the host Washington Wizards.

When they needed a stop, the Raptors couldn't produce one, and they had a tough time trying to contain Michael Jordan, whose presence almost singlehandedly lifted the Wizards.

Jordan scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half and recorded a crucial assist at crunch time when the Raptors came with double-teams at the expense of leaving Washington's shooters open.

The unlikely dagger was delivered by former Raptors forward Popeye Jones, who buried a feed from Jordan with 9.1 seconds left in the game.

The Raptors, led by Vince Carter's 29 points, dropped to 28-21, while Washington improved to 25-21.