The Toronto Raptors nearly pulled off an epic comeback against the New York Knicks but fell short 121-115.
Rookies provide spark
The Raptors were down by as many as 23 points against the Knicks and it looked like they were going to pack it in. However, the Raptors fought back and made it a game. Rookie second-round pick Jamal Shead gave the Raptors a huge boost from off the bench and almost rallied them all the way back to victory. He provided life to a stagnant Raptors offense. The Raptors got the Knicks lead down to one but a couple of clutch pull-up jumpers from Jalen Brunson in crunch time held off the Raptors. Overall, Shead finished with a career-high 16 points to go along with 9 assists and 3 rebonds. It wasn’t just Shead, first-round rookie Ja’Kobe Walter stepped into the starting lineup for RJ Barrett and he had a solid game as well, scoring 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting. Jonathan Mogbo returned to action for the first time in three weeks after spending time with the 905. At one point a lineup of Shead, Gradey Dick, Walter, Mogbo and Kelly Olynyk were going toe-to-toe with the Knicks in the fourth quarter and it was great to see.
Davion Mitchell falls out of rotation
Mitchell fell out of the Raptors rotation on Tuesday with Shead and Immanuel Quickley back healthy. Mitchell has done a solid job for the Raptors with his point-of-attack defense, but Toronto is clearly prioritizing Shead’s development over Mitchell’s playing time. With that in mind, Mitchell’s expiring contract makes him a likely trade candidate ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Poeltl exits after first half
Jakob Poeltl left the game after the first half with a right hip pointer injury. He was ruled out for the rest of the game by the Raptors. While many fans speculated if his absence in the second half was trade related, the Raptors are not expected to move Poeltl, per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. Kelly Olynyk started the second half and Orlando Robinson got playing time. If Poeltl misses extended time, it will be a huge blow for the Raptors who are 4-33 without him over the last two seasons.
Next on tap
The Raptors will host the Memphis Grizzlies on the second night of a back-to-back on Feb. 5. This will be Toronto’s final game before the trade deadline.
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