Immanuel Quickley shines with season-high 24 points as Raptors take down Nets
The Toronto Raptors celebrated a significant victory, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 119-109 at the Barclays Center. This win was highlighted by a standout performance from Immanuel Quickley, who delivered his best game of the season, showing glimpses of the talent that made him a coveted player. Here are five key statistics that encapsulate the Raptors’ impressive win over the Nets.
Double-Doubles Galore
The Raptors showcased their depth with two players recording double-doubles in the game. Scottie Barnes contributed a balanced performance with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Their efforts on the boards were crucial, as they helped anchor the team’s offense and defense, providing stability in the paint.
Quickley’s Season-High Points
Immanuel Quickley stole the show with a season-high 24 points, marking a significant turnaround in his performance this year. This game was a notable improvement from his preceding outings, as it was his highest scoring game since March 7, when he netted 34 points against the Utah Jazz. Quickley has faced challenges with his shooting this season, managing just over 40 percent from the field, which is the lowest rate of his career since his sophomore year. However, this breakout game should boost his confidence moving forward.
Barrett Struggles from the Field
While Quickley flourished, RJ Barrett faced difficulties, finishing the game with a shooting percentage of 28.6. He connected on just 6 of 21 attempts from the field and failed to make any of his seven 3-point attempts. Despite these struggles, Barrett still managed to score 13 points, but it marked his second-lowest output of the season, trailing only his 10 points from an earlier matchup against the Houston Rockets. As the Raptors prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team will be looking for Barrett to regain his scoring touch.
Poeltl’s Increased Minutes
Jakob Poeltl’s ability to log 30 minutes on the floor is a promising sign for the Raptors. This marked his highest minute total of the season, allowing him to establish a stronger presence on both ends of the court. His durability will be key as the Raptors depend on his rim protection and rebounding prowess, especially considering their dominance in points scored in the paint, outpacing the Nets 68-36.
Raptors Dominate the Boards
Rebounding was another area where the Raptors excelled, tallying a total of 50 boards. The duo of Poeltl and Barnes led the way, combining for 21 rebounds. This performance is especially encouraging given the absence of Sandro Mamukelashvili, who is sidelined with a neck injury. The improvement in their rebounding reflects a concerted effort by the Raptors to enhance their performance in this critical aspect of the game.
The Raptors’ victory against the Nets not only highlights individual achievements but also emphasizes the team’s collective strength. As they continue to build momentum, players like Quickley will be crucial to their success. The upcoming games will be a test of consistency as they aim to maintain this level of play.
