A number of Raptors' players deserve their flowers after proving to be integral to Toronto's first road win of the 2024-25 season, blowing out New Orleans in a 119-93 victory.
The Raptors' resident Canadian star, RJ Barrett, showcased his all-around basketball prowess by recording a near triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds.
Scottie Barnes once again proved to be the chain holding Toronto's core together, with an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. Rookie Ja'Kobe Walter made the most of his first NBA start, putting up 14 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and adding five assists.
While dynamic forward Ochai Agbaji looked like his old self, returning to the stellar form he exhibited at the beginning of the season. Agbaji delivered a hyper-efficient 24-point night with 90% shooting from the field and 85% from beyond the arc.
However, it was arguably this player's breakout performance from the depths of obscurity that deserves the most attention: the Raptors' undrafted rookie forward, Jamison Battle. Battle played nearly 23 minutes off the bench, making a significant scoring impact with 24 points on 81% shooting efficiency. He delivered in a big way from deep, hitting six of his eight three-pointers.
Jamison Battle looked great against the Pelicans
Jamison Battle’s shot has never looked like it’s going to miss; and it hasn’t
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) November 28, 2024
Another highlight of Battle's night in New Orleans was his defensive hustle; he recorded a steal and a block, showcasing his potential to be a contributing force beyond just scoring.
This performance marked a turning point for Battle, especially considering prior discussions regarding his role on the team. Just a few games back, we covered how Battle's minutes were possibly in jeopardy, as he had yet to carve out a compelling case for a secure spot in the rotation.
The landscape of the Raptors' roster presented numerous alternatives, including fellow rookies Jamal Shead and Jonathan Mogbo, as well as seasoned veteran Chris Boucher.
Each player brought their own strengths to the table, making it difficult to envision a scenario where Jamison Battle could maintain consistent minutes throughout the year. Additionally, given that Battle is a two-way player with the Raptors 905, it seemed more logical to prioritize those players on the team's main roster.
Battle's remarkable shooting has completely flipped the script on that narrative. His ability to knock down shots consistently forces opposing defenders to guard him closely, which ultimately benefits the entire team's offensive scheme.
Jamison Battle should stay in the Raptors' rotation for the foreseeable future
“YEAH, JAMISON!”
— THE SHIFT (@theshift_sports) November 28, 2024
Bruce Brown and Davion Mitchell were hyped after Jamison Battle’s career-high 24 points tonight 😂 @Kayla_Grey pic.twitter.com/RngeQZ1j4e
When a rookie exhibits such refined shooting skills and high basketball IQ, it becomes increasingly difficult for the coaching staff to overlook their contributions, especially in a competitive league where efficiency is paramount.
This recent breakout performance could be a catalyst for Battle moving forward. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic will undoubtedly take note of his strong showing, as the team looks to build chemistry, coherence, and sort out injuries among its promising roster. Familiarity and trust are crucial in a grueling 82-game season, and Battle’s efficient scoring provides a compelling argument for his continued inclusion in the rotation.