It was solely the fourth recreation of the season for the 25-year-old combo guard.
Quickley was damage in Toronto’s residence opener on Oct. 23 when he fell exhausting on his tailbone. He returned from that damage to play on Nov. 9 and 10, however then injured his elbow.
When he skipped down the courtroom after the exclamation mark three, the Raptors bench additionally skipped.
“We’re trying to build a culture: a culture of winning, enthusiasm, joy and unselfishness. I think that’s just where that comes from,” mentioned Quickley. “Guys are really happy when other guys are playing well and then winning on top of that, which is the most important thing.”
Quickley averaged 18.6 factors, 6.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds — all profession highs — in 38 video games for Toronto final season after being traded to the Raptors by the New York Knicks on Dec. 30, 2023.
He was rewarded for his impactful play final July when he re-signed with Toronto on a five-year, US$175-million contract.
Quickley had 11 factors, seven assists and a rebound in 17 minutes of play within the first half, however, extra importantly, he essentially modified how Toronto’s offence operated.
“He’s got a lot of skills but he’s a point guard,” mentioned head coach Darko Rajakovic, who added that as a result of Quickley’s legs had been unhurt his conditioning remained NBA calibre. “When he’s bringing the ball up the floor, he is calling plays on the run, recognizing situation.
“He’s my extension on the floor when he plays out there.”
The Raptors (8-26) haven’t had their full beginning lineup for a single recreation this season and Wednesday was no exception with swingman RJ Barret of Mississauga, Ont., out with an sickness.
Rajakovic, Quickley and all-star ahead Scottie Barnes all agreed that Barrett’s imminent return may assist flip round Toronto’s season.
“(Barrett) has to demand attention with the way he’s able to drive the ball, get to the rim, and put so much pressure on the rim,” mentioned Barnes, who led all scorers with 33 factors and 13 rebounds. “He just takes off so much pressure for all of us. It just makes us more dangerous.”
Quickley, Barnes and Barrett could be joined by sophomore swingman Gradey Dick and centre Jakob Poeltl within the beginning lineup if or when they’re all wholesome.
“RJ makes everybody’s job easier,” mentioned Quickley. “He’s averaging like 30 points at home. He’s one of the top scorers in this league.
“Defensively, he’s taken a jump and we’re going to continue to need that jump from him when he comes back.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Jan. 1, 2025.
John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press
Toronto Raptors’ Immanuel Quickley (5) drives at Brooklyn Nets’ D’Angelo Russell (1) throughout first half NBA basketball motion in Toronto on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Younger
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