A masterclass from Jakob Poeltl propelled the Toronto Raptors to a 123-113 win over the Orlando Magic.
The Raptors’ newest addition dropped game-highs with 30 points and six blocks, to go along with nine rebounds, as he anchored the team at both ends of the floor. The 30 points is the second most he has scored in his professional career and came on an effective 15-17 shot.
It was a very effective night overall for the Raptors, who finished shooting 60% from the field, the highest clip they had all season. But it was also Poeltl’s defensive intensity in the fourth quarter that propelled him to the top, especially with five of his six blocks in the final quarter.
Poeltl’s arrival at the NBA’s trade deadline helped bring unity to the Raptors, acting as something of a beacon in a sea of chaos that has at times come to define their season thus far.
“I think it was the goal of the job that I could occupy this real position of center. I feel like I’m getting more and more comfortable with every game there,” Poeltl said in his third game for the Raptors in the 2022-23 campaign.
His presence and decisiveness as a big, hulking man has been what the Raptors have lacked in recent seasons, as he acts as a connecting piece. Nurse notes that Poeltl was “a little nervous” in his first game with the Raptors, but he improved with more time on the court. What helped was his familiarity with Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam, who all started their careers with the Raptors, before Poeltl was eventually traded in 2018.
Since returning to the Raptors after the Feb. 9 trade, it’s given Toronto a new look, as he continually tries to make the “good game” through simple reads.
“His screen turnover and turnover was huge because he was trying to put multiple guys on Fred and Pascal,” Nurse said after the game. “And every time we hit him, it seemed like something good was happening.”
Nurse notes that the team will continue to get used to the plays Poeltl can make from the elbow and the high post, which should give them more cutting opportunities. On Tuesday, in what Poeltl calls a “supporting role,” he was able to do the right readings when opportunities presented themselves. But perhaps more importantly, he credits VanVleet for finding him low when paired with a smaller guard, allowing simple shots in the paint with his 7-foot-1 frame.
“He made it look easy tonight,” Nurse said of Poeltl’s attacking ability.
Jalen Suggs, who finished with 24 points off the bench for the Magic, was one of the goaltenders who felt Poeltl’s presence.
“He’s crazy. He’s a force in the paint,” Suggs said.
“He’s really strong and physical in there. He’s what they want to do: he’s a big physique, he’ll punch you in the mouth, you know, and he’ll have no remorse for it. I think I can respect that a ton. … it hurt us tonight … he had a great game.
Suggs credits the Raptors’ ability to increase their intensity and physicality in the second half, which helped them win the game.
Although the Raptors shot 71% from the field in the first half, it was their defense that saw them trail 70-65 against the Magic, who were themselves shooting 61%.
Nurse says the team really needed to focus on transition and removing cut lanes – while he also credits the 10 blocks the team had in the second half, including six from Poeltl. The Raptors ultimately limited the Magic to 43 points in the second half.
Suggs and Markelle Fultz gave the Raptors a transition, the latter finishing with 19 points and five assists, and perhaps the highlight of the game.
Along with attacking the paint, the Magic guarding duo found Wendell Carter Jr. down and around the perimeter, as center finished with a team-high 26 points on 11-15 shooting and 3- 6 remote.
When it wasn’t their defense they could rely on, the Raptors at least had their offense. VanVleet finished with a season-high 15 assists – all in the third frame – as he found his teammates for some great looks. Siakam really didn’t need anyone’s help – rather, it was his mid-range play that cooked the Magic, as he finished with 26 points on 10-15 shooting, after receiving an All-Ball ball. Star before the game.
“He definitely deserves it,” Nurse said. “He played like an All-Star this year, for sure.”
The Raptors are now heading into the All-Star break after winning five of their last six games – a first for this season. Their 28-31 record is good enough for the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, qualifying them for a play-in spot.
After a tumultuous few weeks, which included the trade deadline, Nurse thinks it’s a good time for a break.
“Our guys need a break,” Nurse said, noting all the “polishing” and “repairing” the team had to do to get back up to speed. “I think it’s probably a decent time for us to have some time to get some fresh air and come back and push these last 20+ games.”
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