After setting a new career high in points earlier this month in Toronto's losing effort against the Knicks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, where he scored 18 points, Raptors sophomore guard Jamal Shead has now set a new record. He logged 19 points in a gutsy effort against the Orlando Magic where Toronto pulled out with a tight, but very commendable 107-106 win.
Raptors guard Jamal Shead scores career best vs. Magic
Shead has been a key figure in Raptors stories this year, especially here on Raptors Rapture, thanks to his role as a team spokesperson, in spite of some shooting struggles. His December 29 showcase highlighted a perfect balance of his strong playmaking, gritty style, and his ability to produce offensively in an effective and efficient manner.
While the game coming down to the wire was a collective defensive and team effort, with big props to Ja'Kobe Walter, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Scottie Barnes in the final moments, Jamal Shead actually led the entire Raptors in scoring despite coming off the bench.
The entire stat line for Shead was as follows: a career-high 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting from the field, including 3-for-6 from three-point range, along with five assists, four rebounds, and one steal, in 29 minutes of action.
I loved what Jamal Shead touched upon in his post-game presser, where he referenced the Raptors' fourth quarter play. In this Magic game, they were able to push through, whereas in recent games, it has become apparent that Toronto can fall into the trap of becoming too complacent and giving lackadaisical effort. Shead said (YouTube link here):
"… I think we've been in a lot of the same positions this year where we've given up in those situations and kind of let the game get away from us. So, I think we're learning and we're growing as a team. … then you have Scottie [Barnes]. Scottie just gets to another gear, him and BI [Brandon Ingram] in that fourth quarter. So just following them and their lead, we kind of was able [sic] to push back."Jamal Shead, Dec. 29, 2025
Shead was also asked about his expanding role, how he thrives in tough situations, and if he's comfortable leading in high-pressure moments. He responded:
"Yeah, I mean, you just try to find the hot hand. I think BI hit a couple two shots, so we tried to go back to him, and then… they switched up the matchup, and then we tried to play a little bit of two-man game with me and Scottie… they have so much gravity that opened up me [sic] a lot tonight."Jamal Shead contd.