Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo (2) passes the ball while Charlotte Hornets players Jusuf Nurkic (11) and DaQuan Jeffries (3) watch during the second half of the NBA game in Toronto on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Wednesday night was unforgettable for Raptors rookie Jonathan Mogbo. The 23-year-old forward delivered the best performance of his career, finishing with 17 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in Toronto’s 126-96 win over the Charlotte Hornets. This wasn’t just his first triple-double in the NBA — it was his first ever, at any level of competitive basketball.
As Mogbo walked off the court, Scotiabank Arena announcer Herbie Kuhn shared the news with the crowd: Mogbo had just become the first NBA rookie this season to record a triple-double. At that moment, the Raptors’ bench erupted with excitement and mobbed him in celebration.
"It was a lot to take in, but amazing to see everyone so happy," Mogbo said after the game. "I came close a few times in college but never got it. To finally do it in the NBA... I’m just grateful."
Mogbo said the support from his teammates meant just as much as the milestone itself. “It wasn’t just about the triple-double,” he said. “Seeing my teammates genuinely happy for me — that felt just as good.”
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic praised the moment and highlighted how much the team respects Mogbo. "Everyone in the organization knows how hard he’s worked all year,” Rajakovic said. “They’re proud of him. That’s why you saw such a strong reaction from the bench.”
Rajakovic even opened his post-game press conference by jokingly asking, “So, are you going to ask me about JMo’s triple-double?”
Before Wednesday, Mogbo had been averaging modest numbers — 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and two assists in just under 20 minutes per game. But with the Raptors out of playoff contention and several starters sitting out, Mogbo got more time on the court and made the most of it.
“It’s been a wild ride,” he said. “Every day I try to stay grounded and grateful. Being here, playing this game, it’s a blessing.”
Toronto picked Mogbo in the second round (31st overall) in last year’s NBA Draft. He played his final college season at the University of San Francisco, where he mostly played center. With the Raptors, however, he’s had to shift gears and adapt to playing more on the wing.
Coach Rajakovic explained that the goal is to expand Mogbo’s skill set rather than change who he is. “He doesn’t need to overthink it,” Rajakovic said. “Whether he’s playing as a center or a forward, he needs to keep doing what he does best — running the floor, setting screens, cutting hard, and staying aggressive.”
Mogbo’s standout performance may be a glimpse into his future with the team — one where his hustle, effort, and versatility continue to shine.
