The Toronto Raptors have proven they can win and learn at the same time, and they aim to continue the trend Friday night against the visiting Utah Jazz.
Rookie Ja’Kobe Walter hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 0.5 seconds left when the Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 114-113 on Tuesday to complete a sweep of the two-game road series.
The winning shot came with Toronto’s more experienced core players on the bench.
“This is what we talked about with us as an organization, it’s very important for young guys to be in those situations so they can learn,” Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said. “There is no better school than this, for them to be on the court and be in close games and go through all of that.”
“That was probably, really, the first game-winner of my life,” said Walter, who scored 17 points. “So I’m definitely going to remember that one.”
Players, who would normally be on the court at the end of such a tight game, cheered from the bench.
“Those are teammates of theirs on the court, and guys that are putting a lot in (work) every single day, so I think they handled it really well,” Rajakovic said. “They were cheering for them. They were looking for those guys to have that experience to close the game like that.
“And I think everybody wins today with the attitude that we had,” he added.
With guards Gradey Dick (knee) and Ochai Agbaji (ankle) out, Walter started on Tuesday and could continue in that role as the Raptors open a four-game homestand.
Jonathan Mogbo broke his nose during the game on Tuesday and will be out at least a week. The team said Thursday that the forward will wear a facemask for the rest of the season.
This will be the first meeting of the season between the Jazz and Raptors. Utah won both games last season.
The Jazz have dropped three in a row, including a 125-122 loss to the Washington Wizards in the opener of a five-game road trip. They have lost 10 straight on the road.
The Jazz also have been using younger players as they deal with injuries.
“We’ve got to continue to find ways to work together on the offensive side of the ball,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “It’s an opportunity for our young players to learn how to work together and pull out some wins.”
Guard Johnny Juzang led the Jazz with 27 points. Juzang, 23, is in his third season with Utah.
“Johnny is continuing to feel his way into his new role,” Hardy said. “He’s continuing to make good reads on when to shoot his catch-and-shoot and when to play on a closeout. It’s nice to see him have success in tonight’s game because he’s put a lot of work in.”
Rookie center Kyle Filipowski added 23 points and 13 rebounds as six Jazz players scored in double figures.
“I think that’s great for us,” said Filipowski, 21. “Just seeing the young guys work together and try to fight for the win, I think that just shows the potential we have moving forward.”
The Jazz had a 58-45 advantage in rebounds despite being without center Walker Kessler (rest).
“It comes down to it being a group effort,” Hardy said. “At times we rely too much on Walker to take care of the rim and to rebound. Tonight, I thought our general activity collectively was very good.”
The Jazz also were without Lauri Markkanen (back), John Collins (back), Jordan Clarkson (foot), Collin Sexton (ankle), Keyonte George (illness) and Jaden Springer (back).
–Field Level Media
