Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks (No. 11) was fouled while attempting to move past Toronto Raptors’ Jonathan Mogbo and Jamal Shead during the second half of an NBA game in Toronto on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. (Photo: Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)
The Toronto Raptors leaned on their young core in a close battle against the New York Knicks, with rookies Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Jonathan Mogbo taking centre stage alongside sophomore Gradey Dick and four-year veteran Scottie Barnes. At just 23, Barnes was the oldest Raptor on the court as Toronto fought to erase a 23-point deficit before ultimately falling 121-115 on Tuesday night.
Despite the loss, Shead viewed the game as a sign of progress in the team’s rebuilding phase. The 22-year-old guard, who scored a career-high 16 points and dished out nine assists off the bench, emphasized the importance of learning from these moments.
"I think that's a testament to us. We didn’t back down. We accepted the challenge and made it fun," Shead said.
Walter, Toronto’s first-round draft pick, echoed that sentiment. He finished with 13 points and saw the opportunity as a stepping stone for the future.
"Games like this test our maturity. Playing in these tight situations early in our careers will help us be ready for big moments down the road," Walter explained.
The Raptors have found their rhythm after a rough patch in early January, winning eight of their last 11 games. Shead credited head coach Darko Rajakovic for instilling a pursuit of excellence in the team.
"He pushes us to be as close to perfect as possible," Shead said. "He won’t punish you for mistakes, but he will push you to be better. Having a coach like that makes a difference."
Walter started in place of RJ Barrett, who was ruled out due to the NBA’s concussion protocol. His extended minutes, along with Shead’s and Mogbo’s, have been valuable for their development. Walter highlighted how playing in the G-League with Raptors 905 has also boosted his confidence and skills.
"Getting more time with the ball and learning to lead helps me grow," Walter said. "When teammates like Scottie or Gradey trust me in key moments, it makes a difference."
Veteran centre Jakob Poeltl contributed five points, two rebounds, and two assists in 15 minutes before exiting with a right hip pointer. Point guard Immanuel Quickley, still under restricted minutes due to a hip injury, added nine points and five assists in nearly 21 minutes.
With Barrett sidelined and limited minutes for Poeltl and Quickley, the Raptors’ young trio had a chance to prove themselves against a tough Knicks squad. Coach Rajakovic was particularly pleased with Mogbo’s defensive effort against Karl-Anthony Towns, who dominated with 27 points and 20 rebounds.
"You could see how aggressive Mogbo was on defence," Rajakovic noted. "He used his length well and made important stops against Towns."
While the Raptors fell short in their comeback attempt, their young core showed resilience, giving fans a glimpse of what could be a promising future.
