The Toronto Raptors lost 118-102 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, but a few of their role players continued to play well while the team waits for its injured stars to return, Yahoo Sports reported.
Toronto was missing Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Collin Murray-Boyles and Kawhi Leonard. Yahoo called the loss expected, noting that the Grizzlies had been projected as a rebuilding team after trading Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, only to start the season 6-0.
Toronto needed big nights from RJ Barrett and Ja'Kobe Walter and did not get them. Barrett scored 19 but shot poorly, and Walter scored 12 on 4-of-13 shooting. Yahoo said Walter has been underwhelming in his third season, averaging 11 points per game.
The bright spots started with guard Jamal Shead, a 2024 second-round pick known for his defense. With Quickley out, Shead started the last two games and, in 70 minutes, totaled 30 points, 27 assists, four steals and just four turnovers. He scored 20 with 11 assists against Memphis. Yahoo said the offense flows better with him on the floor.
Center Jakob Poeltl has also turned a corner. Poeltl, whose three-year, $84 million extension begins next season, struggled with a back injury last year. Over the past two games he has 37 points, 19 rebounds, five blocks and four steals on 18-of-26 shooting, including 18 points and four blocks against the Grizzlies.
Jamison Battle added 18 points against Memphis with five 3-pointers, 14 of his points coming in the third quarter, Sportsnet reported. Sportsnet said Leonard, who has been dealing with swelling in his left knee, was back on the bench Monday and could be out about another week.
For Memphis fans, the takeaway is that the Grizzlies handled a game they were supposed to win on the road, improving to 7-3 and 5-0 away from FedExForum.
Sources: Yahoo Sports; Sportsnet