News Raptors Team Notes

[Toronto Raptors]

Toronto Raptors vs. Portland Trailblazers: Time to reverse the fourth quarter faux pas

Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images

Despite a double-digit lead in their last matchup, Toronto faltered in the final frame. Now, they have the opportunity to shore up the defence and take one back.

The Raptors will play host to Portland for their second and final matchup of the season tonight, the first of a back-to-back home stand. The last time out, the Blazers were able to fight back from a deficit and gain the lead in the final two minutes of the game. Despite the loss, the Raptors had five players in double figures.

By the looks of it, Barnes and Poeltl, two of the strongest performers in the first outing won’t be available tonight, so the onus will fall to the Raptors who touch the court to pick up the slack. It would be no surprise to anyone if RJ is one of the guys to step up. After resting on Tuesday against the Bulls, he will be looking to add to his 31-point performance on Sunday vs. Philadelphia. Hopefully he will continue to prove his scoring, passing, and defensive abilities tonight.

Shead has also been a pivotal player, averaging almost 10-3-5 in March, earning him a nomination for the East Conference Rookie of the Month. His ability to facilitate the offence has been solid so far this year, and he could also be a difference maker in this game.

The Blazers will also be missing a significant amount of talent, with many of the same players on the bench as the first game. This time, Anfernee Simons also may not be available, who led all scorers with 22 points. They will have to look to Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija who both managed 30+ point performances on Tuesday. A positive note we might expect is a little bit more of Dalano Banton. When Portland hosted the Raptors a couple weeks ago, Banton only saw 4 minutes of action. He posted a solid 11-7-5 against the Hawks on Tuesday though, laying the groundwork for an opportunity against his former team tonight.

The key to this matchup for the Raptors will be to force the Blazers to make mistakes and limit their own in the fourth quarter. Forcing 20 turnovers and drawing 20 fouls the last time, Toronto was able to gain extra possessions that helped them build their initial lead. Unfortunately, they developed their own bad habits, especially in the final frame. Shoring up their ball movement and limiting defensive lapses will prevent any opportunity for Portland to make their way back into this game.

While already eliminated from playoff contention, they will continue to use their final games of the season to build chemistry and provide opportunities for the rookies and bench to develop. With excellent performances from Shead, Walter, Mogbo, and Battle lately, it’s exciting to see how the future of the team continues to develop.

Where to Watch

On TSN at 7:30 pm ET.

Probable Starters

Toronto: RJ Barrett, Ja’Kobe Walter, Orlando Robinson, Jamal Shead, Ochai Agbaji

Portland: Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Dalano Banton, Toumani Camara

Injury Report

Toronto: Scottie Barnes (Questionable: Joint contusion), Ulrich Chomche (Out: MCL tear), Gradey Dick (Out: Bone bruise), Brandon Ingram (Out: Ankle sprain), Jakob Poeltl (Out: Rest), Immanuel Quickley (Out: Rest), Jared Rhoden (Questionable: Joint sprain)

Portland: Deandre Ayton (Out: Calf strain), Sidy Cissoko (Out: Ankle sprain), Jerami Grant (Doubtful: Knee inflammation), Scoot Henderson (Out: Concussion protocol), Bryce McGowens (Out: Rib fracture), Anfernee Simons (Questionable: Forearm contusion), Robert Williams III (Out: Injury management).

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/4/3/...s-time-to-reverse-the-fourth-quarter-faux-pas

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Raptors fall 112-103 to the Blazers as several Canadians shine

Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images

Sharpe, Barrett, Lawson, and Banton showed how bright the future is for Canadian basketball as Portland came away with the play-in-boosting victory.

It was 2010s night at Scotiabank Arena. However, a Canadian basketball game broke out.

The visiting Portland Trailblazers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 112-103, as a plethora of Canadians took over the scoreboard.

The Blazers were led by London native, Shaedon Sharpe, who broke the record for most points scored by a Canadian against the Raptors, with 36 points. Former Raptor, and Torontonian, Dalano Banton scored 21 points. Toronto was led by Mississauga native, RJ Barrett, who returned after resting in the previous game, with 18 points. AJ Lawson, who was born in Brampton, had 13 points off the bench.

Sharpe’s 36 points are the 3rd-highest in any game by a Canadian. The top two performances, 39 and 37 points, were both produced by Barrett, of course.

From the non-Canadian department, Deni Avdija had 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists for a Portland squad still fighting for a play-in spot in the West. Ochai Agbaji, who also missed the last game for rest, led all reserves with 15 points.

The Toronto Raptors continued their season-long tribute of the 30th anniversary by celebrating the 2010s. Terrence Ross was in attendance and received a loud ovation during a timeout. Leo Rautins and Paul Jones were also recognized with video tributes.

In the pre-game pressers, both Head Coaches, Chauncey Billups and Darko Rajakovic spoke about the importance of pressuring the ball early.

“It’s disruptive. If you ask any opposing player....nobody likes to play against that type of defense,” said Rajakovic. “It does not allow teams to get into their offensive sets easily.”

When asked about higher pickup points on the defensive end, Billups replied, “I love it. If you’re gonna be that young, why not play full court?”

Ball pressure was evident throughout the first quarter. Avdija picked off two passes by Jonathan Mogbo. Jamal Shead stole from Banton as he crossed halfcourt. After a Mogbo bucket, the Raptors applied full-court pressure on the inbounds pass, leading to a five-second violation.

Barrett blocked a layup attempt by Banton from behind, eventually leading to a Ja’Kobe Walter three-pointer. On the next possession, Barrett forced Banton into a turnover, leading to a Shead steal and Barrett putback layup off a Shead miss. The Toronto-on-Toronto crimes were rampant!

AND ONEEEE pic.twitter.com/hbQgs3uC6a

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 4, 2025​

While Toronto spread the scoring wealth with nine different Raptors scoring in the first quarter, almost all of Portland’s offense came from two players. Sharpe and Deni Avdija combined for 25 of Portland’s 29 first-quarter points.

Portland was without a starting lineup worth of talent as Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, DeAndre Ayton, and Robert Williams were all inactive. For Toronto, Jakob Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley were given the night off, joining the injured Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick on the sidelines.

The Blazers entered the game only 3 games back of the Sacramento Kings for the final play-in spot in the West.

Picking up ballhandlers well beyond the three-point line was an ongoing theme. Lawson broke up a dribble handoff between Avdija and Donovan Clingan, leading to a breakaway dunk for AJ.

Barrett must’ve had five deflections in the first half. He poked another ball free that was scooped up by Barnes and led to a fastbreak layup for RJ.

Scottie Barnes has passed O.G. Anunoby for 11th on the Toronto Raptors’ all-time scoring list. pic.twitter.com/HRF5urvBYh

— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) April 4, 2025​

With both teams applying a ton of ball pressure, combined with the depleted lineups on both sides, the following tweet makes a whole lot of sense.

26 combined turnovers in the first half of Raptors-Blazers. There are 5.5 games left, in case you were wondering.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 4, 2025​

Three of the four leading scorers from the first half were born in the Greater Toronto Area. Sharpe had 20 points. Barrett led Toronto with 12, while Lawson led all reserves with 9. Avdija did not score in the second quarter and finished the half with 14.

At halftime, the Raptors led the Blazers in transition points (+5), steals (+4), and points in the paint (+10). Yet, with only a 50-47 lead, it felt like Toronto left too much on the table.

Both teams exchanged the lead throughout the first few minutes of the second half. When Barnes and Barrett went to the bench, Portland took control of a tight game, turning a tie game into a 6-point advantage.

The Sharpe and Avdija show continued in the third quarter. This time, they brought Dalano Banton along for the ride. The trio outscored the Raptors 29-26 as Portland entered the final frame with an 83-76 lead.

Portland carried the momentum from the third quarter into the first few minutes of the fourth. With the Raptors unable to cut into Portland’s lead — and Scottie Barnes absent on both ends of the floor — Darko called timeout with 7:33 left and a 94-85 deficit. As has been the case for the last month, the core players (Barnes and Barrett tonight) took to the bench for the evening. Billups kept his starters on the floor, ensuring Toronto’s reserves couldn’t cut into Portland’s lead.

Another Deni masterclass ‍

26 PTS
15 REB
6 AST
2 STL
2 BLK pic.twitter.com/s9alU8ginX

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 4, 2025​

With the loss, Toronto “clinched” a worse record than the Blazers and can drop no further than 8th in the reverse standings. Considering the consistent losing by the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, the only place the Raptors could conceivably move is from 7th to 8th. However, consecutive losses by Toronto combined with last night’s Spurs win over the Denver Nuggets means the Raptors’ Flagg-ic number is now only two. Any combination of two Raptors losses or Spurs wins will clinch 7th spot in the draft lottery standings for Toronto. With the 2nd game of a back-to-back against the 5th-place(!!) Detroit Pistons tomorrow and a couple more games still to play, the Raptors likely don’t need to wait until the final game of the season — in San Antonio — to finalize their spot in the draft lottery.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: enjoy these final games of the season. It may be a long time (ideally) before the Raptors are playing meaningless games again. The growth of the young players provides a glimpse into the bright future of this roster, while the losses provide hope for a huge talent to join the squad!

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/4/3/...tland-trailblazers-shaedon-sharpe-deni-avdija

 

[Toronto Raptors]

The Toronto Raptors may have drafted their next big superstar

John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

When the Toronto Raptors picked Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo and Ulrich Chomche in the 2024 NBA Draft, they may have secured the franchise’s next superstar.

As Darko Rajakovic sat in front of the media ahead of the Toronto Raptors’ penultimate home game of the 2024-2025 season, the list of core players sitting out against the Detroit Pistons was long. RJ Barrett resting, Scottie Barnes with a hand injury, Gradey Dick still battling his bruised knee bone. When Darko was asked who would step up to the plate tonight, his answer was not much different than it has been most of the season: the young guys.

The Raptors headed into the 2024 draft with just one pick after having to give their lottery pick to the San Antonio Spurs. That 19th overall pick ended up turning into four picks total as Toronto traded for the 31st, 45th, and 57th. Those turned into Ja’Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead and Ulrich Chomche.

Chomche was the most raw player of the group, playing most of his season with the Raptors 905 before suffering a knee injury that ended his season. Mogbo has also played less than expected due to some injury, but ended up starting multiple times due to injuries other players were suffering from.

Despite starting the season with a shoulder injury, Ja’Kobe Walter seemed to make a good recovery. He has made some circus-level entertaining shots this season and hustled hard to prove his worth. As a first round draft pick, the expectation that Walter would get some solid playing time on a tanking team was pretty high, and he has stepped up.

That leaves Jamal Shead — maybe the most intriguing draft pick of the Raptors’ four choices. The point guard out of Houston immediately gave off strong Fred VanVleet vibes: shorter point guard, solid defender, can shoot. He got to Toronto and pretty immediately had a loyal following of fans, the “SheadHeads.”

Friday night, as the Raptors fell 117-105 to the Detroit Pistons, Shead scored 14 points, 9 assists and 1 rebounds on 5-12 shooting from the field. He also had 2 steals.

The defence has been the most well-rounded part of Shead’s game in his rookie season. He can guard the perimeter pretty well — something appreciated in Darko’s defensive-minded system. He’s got the start eight times this season, played in 71 games (so most of them) and was easily able to crack the rotation as a rookie. Even as Davion Mitchell was still around and the Raptors technical “back up point guard,” Jamal Shead was getting minutes ahead of him.

This season, Jamal Shead is:
- 4th in the NBA in assists off the bench (219)
- 3rd among rookies in assists (243)
- 3rd among rookies in points created via assist (9.8)
- leading the Raptors in games played (64) https://t.co/eeKFOwlBDO

— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) March 21, 2025​

Shead has shot 41.1% from the field and 33% from three as a rookie, not terrible but room for improvement. He has 4.0 assists per game this season as well, showing a keen eye for playmaking. Per Keerthika Uthayakumar, he has achieved many league-wide accolades including most games played on the Raptors team this season. He has a shot of getting an All-Rookie Team nod once those awards are handed out as well.

Yet, does Shead have the potential to become the Toronto Raptors next big star project? Well, let’s compare him to Fred VanVleet once more — Shead was drafted 45th overall while VanVleet went undrafted, and was still able to rise to stardom. Of course the Championship run of 2019 helped, but that meant VanVleet did not get as much playing time in the NBA (only 37 games) as a rookie as Jamal did.

Jamal Shead took VanVleet’s #23 for a reason, and he will have more chance to develop into a role player (possibly beyond) for this team this summer and fall. The Raptors are planning another summer of team practicing and bonding — last summer the team held camps in Spain and coaches travelled to meet up with players for training. This summer will be even more free, as there are no Olympic Games and players will have more free time.

When it comes to the Raptors’ upcoming lottery pick, they are more likely to pick a taller shooting guard, forward, or center option. This is mostly based on the players project around No. 7 (where the Raptors are currently sitting odds-wise). Currently the projected 6th-9th picks are all bigger players.

From there they will head into next season with their starting lineup of Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl intact (hopefully). They will also have a lottery pick (hopefully) and Shead will likely become Quickley’s back up guard as he plays his second NBA season. Based on the progress he has made this season, Shead has a path to become a long term option for the Toronto Raptors.

His assisting and playmaking are developing well, especially when you look at the stats Uthayakumar listed above. He also has a defensive rating of 117.6 — 2nd on the Raptors among players who have played 50+ games this season, behind Jamison Battle, per stat muse.

He also has a great personality and is loved by fans. When he was drafted, a video went around of Shead that showed him picking up the garbage after one of his college teammates kicked over a trash can in anger. He has continued to show off that personality through his rookie season, forming relationships with Ja’Kobe Walter and his other teammates.

"ACTIVE HANDS!"- From their best Darko impersonations to the one rookie thing CB made Jamal do. Here are a few minutes of the carpool I did with Raps rookies Shead and Walter we haven't aired yet:https://t.co/qJOXwgckfg https://t.co/MGJgJtzW17 pic.twitter.com/7sjli5VsZw

— Lindsay Dunn (@LindsayDunnTV) April 3, 2025​

All of this is the ground work needed for Shead to continue to thrive. The more he plays well, the more fans will root for him. The better he plays in the minutes he is given, the more he will be used in times that the Raptors need him. Plus, should the time ever come that Quickley is moved somewhere (you never know) hopefully it’s at a point where Jamal Shead could step.

So the Toronto Raptors may have drafted their next big star in Jamal Shead.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/4/4/24401485/toronto-raptors-draft-prospects-jamal-shead-rookies