Christian Koloko’s first NBA 3-pointer couldn’t have come at a better time for the Toronto Raptors. The rookie center hit a corner three with a little under two minutes to put the Raptors up by six, helping secure a much-needed home win against the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
Koloko, who helped limit Deandre Ayton on Friday night, was previously 0-7 from three this season, and he was not a factor from deep during his college career at Arizona. Koloko spoke about the big shot after the game, specifically Gary Trent Jr. giving him the ball in that spot with the game still up for grabs.
“He saw me. He ain’t got no choice, to be honest, because I think he had two men in front of him,” Koloko said, according to The Athletic’s Eric Koreen. The young center thanked Trent for believing in him after a timeout, even after GTJ had amassed 33 points in this game.
“I appreciate you believing in me, for trusting me on that last pass,” Koloko said. “It’s the end of the game, and I’m not put in that position everyday.” The Raptors defeated the Suns 113-104. Koloko finished the game with eight points and four rebounds. Perhaps this is a sign that he is starting to turn a corner on the offensive side of the ball.
BIG TIME BUCKET @kolokojunior1 https://t.co/sEonlJIsNw pic.twitter.com/BE2EhCXMYP
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 31, 2022
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- Nick Nurse said that he conducted a very difficult film session with the team in which only he was speaking. Nurse said he showed “the good, the bad, and the ugly” in the session. At least the team had a strong response.
- The Toronto Raptors waived forward Justin Champagnie despite signing him to a multi-year contract in the offseason. Champagnie played just 11 total minutes this season. With the move, The Raptors avoided a $1.6 million cap hit that would have come if Champagnie had been on the roster by January 1.
Justin Champagnie has been waived by the Toronto Raptors. Have to imagine Jeff Dowtin Jr. gets his spot, unless it’s to free up a roster spot. pic.twitter.com/FIVfhAiRbX
— Oren Weisfeld (@OrenWeisfeld) December 30, 2022
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