Summer League: Toronto Raptors vs. Denver Nuggets Final Score 84-81: Raptors hold lead in final moments to secure second win

Despite trailing on multiple occasions, Shead and Freeman-Liberty helped lead the team to another victory

In their second Summer League matchup, the Toronto Raptors took on the Denver Nuggets, coming from behind to secure their second win. On a positive note, this means they’re already doing better than last year, and Summer League playoff hopes remain alive. The Raptors started Ochai Agbaji, Branden Carlson, Gradey Dick, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead again, hoping for a similar result to last night. Despite a back and forth game, and injuries to Gradey Dick and Johnathan Mogbo, the Raptors managed to hold on in the final moments of the game.

Denver had already lost their first game by 10 points to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. In that matchup, Denver’s first round pick, DaRon Holmes II, tore his achilles tendon, a significant loss for the team moving forward in the season, but also for their summer league roster. Despite his absence, Julian Strawther continues to impress for the Nuggets, finishing the game with 32 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.

In the first quarter, Denver appeared to be a more formidable opponent than Oklahoma City, with long range shots falling consistently, including a back-to-back pair by Strawther. The defensive effort was still there from yesterday, as well as energy for loose balls, with guys diving on the floor trying to secure the rock. Offensive possessions felt a little bit slower though, especially since the Raptors struggled with shooting to open the frame, allowing a 10-2 lead for Denver, forcing the Raptors into a timeout. From the stoppage, the pace they played improved significantly, allowing the Raptors to gain a brief lead, but ended the quarter down 24-20.

In the second quarter, the Raptors started to fall apart a little bit. Full court pressure from Denver generated turnovers, and shooting struggles continued. The defense left gaps on a number of possessions that allowed Denver to build a 9-point lead. Ja’Kobe Walter ran back to back possessions, knocking down a 3, followed by a drive where he was able to draw a foul and convert both his shots from the free-throw line. This generated a bit of momentum for the Raptors, who then kept it within two possessions for the rest of the quarter, ending the frame down 43-37.

Scoring became a back and forth battle in the third, with both teams taking turns missing shots as well. DJ Carton showed some good decision making since his long range shots weren’t falling, with a cut and a steal that led to a dunk on subsequent plays. Denver continued with an aggressive defence and productive offence that built a 10-point lead. The Raptors never wavered though, and thanks to some phenomenal 3-point shooting from Jamison Battle and a couple of lay-ins by Agbaji, the Raptors went on a 13-0 run to regain the lead 65-63 heading into the final frame.

The Raptors’ offence and defence finally started clicking in a way that was reflected in the score to start the fourth, led primarily by Jamal Shead and Javon Freeman-Liberty. The Raptors held an 8-point lead briefly, building it up slowly over the course of the quarter, but heroics by Denver rookie Strawther brought the Nuggets back into the game, tying it up. Clutch free-throws by Javon Freeman-Liberty and Ja’Kobe Walter gave the Raptors back their lead in the final seconds, winning by a single possession.

Great Performances:

Ja’Kobe made some improvements on the last game, a positive note in comparison to his first showing. His defence and decision making looked better in this matchup, allowing him to score 12 points, grab 5 boards and dish out 3 assists. He made all 4 of his free throw attempts as well, and for a rookie in a late-game situation it is encouraging to see.

Jamal Shead continued to impress from a defensive standpoint, with quick hands and feet that made it challenging for whoever he was guarding. He continues to show good decision making offensively too, and despite the fact that he ended with only 9 points, he did it efficiently, going 3-4 from the field and 2-2 from long range. He also added 5 assists. He increased his ball handling this game as well, overcoming the full court press at times.

Javon Freeman-Liberty continues to show his skills as well. He’s already had the to have some run with the main club, but between his 905 performances and summer league, he’s continuing to prove he is a talented player that is able to contribute. He finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 boards, shooting 50% from the field, including clutch play in the final minutes of the game that helped secure the victory.

The not-so-great:

Gradey Dick struggled throughout the entire first half, shooting 2-9 from the field and 0-5 from distance. It’s definitely not cause for concern, he struggled to start last season as well, needing some time to get into rhythm. He did come down hard near the rim after following his own missed shot, and although initially there didn’t seem to be a cause for concern, he never returned after the half. It’s still unclear what the severity of the injury was, but hopefully he’ll be okay.

To add to the injury list, Mogbo left the game after taking a hard fall as well, landing on his back and limping off the court and out of the arena shortly after. The current diagnosis is a back contusion, but hopefully he’s okay as well.

Overall, this was another exciting win for Raptors fans, especially seeing the rookies play as well as they did. Luckily we have at least three more games left, which hopefully Gradey and Mogbo are able to return for, at least in part. The Raptors’ next game will be on Wednesday, July 17, at 5:00 pm against the Utah Jazz on Sportsnet, so tune in!