2 weeks Ago By Frank Zicarelli
Article content In his fifth NBA game, rookie Ja’Kobe Walter made his first start. The night began with the first-round pick drilling his first look from distance on the game’s opening possession. Two more three-balls would be heaved, one turnover committed and one behind-the-back pass leading to a goaltending violation against the host New Orleans Pelicans.
At the Smoothie King Center, the kid, who has dealt with a shoulder issue first suffered in the days leading up to training camp, wasn’t shy in launching shots on looks that were much cleaner than the actual game. Combined, the teams entered the night with four wins apiece. About the only category the Raptors and Pels were among the league leaders involved man games lost due to injury.
Whether it was the addition of Walter to the starting lineup or the simple fact the Pelicans are pathetic, all that mattered was the 119-93 shellacking, Toronto’s first road win of this season following 10 straight losses, including a Monday night buzzer beater in Detroit. With 6:47 left in the opening quarter, Walter was subbed in for Davion Mitchell, who has filled the void at point guard following Immanuel Quickley’s setbacks, the first following a pelvic contusion and the most recent in the wake of a partial UCL tear in his left elbow. In the second quarter, Walter produced a highlight reel basket on a feed by Scottie Barnes.
Walter, who is only 19 years old, then used the dribble to attack the paint and score by showcasing his soft shooting touch. He then assisted on Barnes’ first make from distance as Toronto took a double-digit lead. The lead would keep growing, Toronto clearly emerging as the better team, which isn’t saying much given the Pelicans’ lack of quality as New Orleans dropped its sixth game in succession.
Following a lacklustre start to the night, the Raptors did play well. Again, it came against a very inferior and depleted Pels side. Walter ended the night by posting a double-double against an opponent that’s in deep trouble.
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