Talk about making a statement. Jamal Shead, take a bow, good sir.
The Toronto Raptors embarked on their first of two back-to-back games at home, facing off with Atlantic Division rival New York Knicks on February 4. While New York's roster would be underhanded, missing their defensive stalwart and ex-Raptor himself, OG Anunoby, the Raptors also faced their own injury setbacks.
For starters, RJ Barrett would not suit up to face his former team, sitting out as per the NBA's concussion protocols after a slight head injury in the Raptors vs. Clippers matchup on February 2. Then, as the game was in play, Toronto would lose their starting center, Jakob Poeltl, after 15 minutes played, being ruled out in the second half due to a "hip pointer injury."
It didn't look like Toronto was on the verge of making things competitive. Karl-Anthony Towns was having quite a night, having recorded a 20-point, 15-rebound double-double by the half, where the Raptors' defense had no answer to the Knicks' scorching run. The Raps were down 17 at halftime, and it appeared New York was on cruise control toward an easy victory.
Until Jamal Shead and a brigade of Raptors rookies had something to say about it.
Raptors rookie Jamal Shead made his presence felt against the Knicks
Immanuel Quickley would remain on a minutes restriction, only seeing 20 minutes of on-court run, so the next Raptors guard stepping up to the plate was Shead in his place. The coaching staff's decision to not play Davion Mitchell at all also helped Shead's case, and he made the most of his opportunity.
Shead looked like a veteran commander, almost akin to that of arguable Raptors' GOAT, Kyle Lowry. Despite his rookie status, Shead was an effective leader for his squad in the second half, as he was cutting to the basket with ease and finding his teammates at the right spots.
Shead would close out the game with these box score stats: 23 minutes played off the bench, recording 16 points (a new career high), nine assists, three rebounds, and a plus/minus of +10 (a team high).
Shead's strong display, alongside commendable efforts from other young studs like Ja'Kobe Walter, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and the returning Jonathan Mogbo, rejuvenated Scotiabank Arena to thunderous levels of energy that mirrored the championship-era haydays.
Unfortunately, as the game inched closer in the fourth quarter, the Raptors were dealt a fatal blow courtesy of a clutch three-point shot made by Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. Toronto had a couple of chances very late to cut the lead, recording several offensive rebounds, but the valiant effort was not enough. In the end, the Raptors would lose to New York with a final tally of 121-115.
But with an honorable loss like this, you can only look at the positive strides shown by this next generation of Raptors talent. The Knicks had all their stars present aside from Anunoby, and the young guns were giving them work. It's an encouraging sign to see these players not gun-shy in the heat of a bright moment, as it truly looked like Toronto could get it done.
For some, this could be a signal that the 'ethical tank' is back in order. Or maybe the young Raptors players just want to win. Either scenario is a pleasing one, nonetheless.