The Toronto Raptors were shorthanded and didn’t have enough to keep up with the Oklhoma City Thunder on their way to a 121-109 loss.
Jamison Battle shines
After seeing his two-way contract converted into a three-year deal, Battle had a nice night from off the bench for the Raptors. He scored 11 points in 15 minutes, as the 23-year-old sharpshooter drilled 3 of his 4 three-point attempts. With the Raptors focused on player development for the rest of the season, Battle should be a staple in the rotation. Battle is shooting 41.7 percent from downtown this season and leads all rookies in three-point shooting percentage.
Scottie Barnes struggles to find his form
It’s been a tough stretch for Barnes who has struggled to find his groove against some good defenses. He started the night great defensively and had some solid shot contests, including a big block on Chet Holmgren. However, it took him a while to get going offensively. Barnes took 7 shots to finally get on the board. He then got it going a little bit and actually shot well from three in this game, but overall he shot 8-for-20 from the field. It was another inefficient shooting night for Barnes.
Orlando Robinson two-way contract
With Battle converted to a standard NBA contract, the Raptors signed Orlando Robinson to a two-way contract before the game, via TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. Robinson was fresh off his second 10-day deal and couldn’t sign another one, but things ended up working out for him. This move makes complete sense with the Raptors needing a center with Kelly Olynyk on the move to the New Orleans Pelicans and Jakob Poeltl injured. Robinson got 17 minutes of action in this one and finished with 6 points and 5 rebounds.
Next on tap
The Raptors will be in Houston for a Super Bowl Sunday matinee game against the Rockets on Feb. 9.
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