TORONTO – When Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic calls on Ja’Kobe Walter to sub in, the 21-year-old ahead is aware of what to do.
Walter has been Rajakovic’s go-to participant off the bench throughout Toronto’s seven-game win streak, together with getting 19 minutes within the Raptors’ 119-109 conquer the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. Walter had 16 factors on 6-of-7 capturing, together with 4 for five from past the arc over 19 minutes of play.
“Just understanding what I’m speculated to do: carry power to the sport,” mentioned Walter. “No matter how the sport’s going, I do know I’m speculated to go in and attempt to enhance the lead nevertheless I can, whether or not that’s defensively, offensively, flattening pictures.
“I’m simply all the time excited to get within the recreation and simply do what I do.”
Walter and fellow reserves level guard Jamal Shead and ahead Gradey Dick have been relied on extra closely in Sunday’s win after beginning swingman RJ Barrett of Mississauga, Ont., left the sport early with a sprained proper knee.
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Barrett can have additional imaging finished and the Raptors mentioned they’d have an replace on Monday.
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The three bench gamers mixed for 4 steals within the win.
“That’s simply one thing we’ve all the time been engaged on,” mentioned Walter. “Ever since final 12 months, we simply elevated that and carried out it after which each time I see the alternatives, I all the time simply attempt to go.
“We don’t attempt to hesitate. Just all the time go.”
Walter had struggled along with his capturing to start out the season, placing up zeros in three of his first six video games. He’s been extra constant in November, together with a 4-for-5 evening with three three-pointers in a 121-112 win in Philadelphia on Nov. 19.
Rajakovic mentioned that Walter’s arduous work is paying off.
“He’s one of many guys taking probably the most pictures in our health club, so he’s actually dedicated to develop in that a part of his recreation,” mentioned Rajakovic. “Seeing him being assured on the market and taking good pictures, not forcing something that was actually useful.
“For a younger participant that desires to show himself, it’s essential to take good pictures. I believed that he did actually good job tonight.”
Starting level guard Immanuel Quickley was additionally impressed with Walter’s willpower to enhance his capturing.
“I believe the largest factor you be taught within the NBA is you could play nicely with out capturing nicely,” mentioned Quickley, who had 13 factors for Toronto on Sunday, together with back-to-back three-pointers within the fourth quarter.
“That’s I believe a whole lot of followers don’t perceive that. Sometimes I discovered that fairly early in my profession. You can go 3 for 15, guard the very best participant for the entire evening, get 5 steals, seven assists, seven rebounds, and possibly not shoot as nicely, however you continue to have an effect on the sport in different methods.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Nov. 24, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
