By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Toronto Raptors overpowered the banged-up New Orleans Pelicans during an inter-conference NBA showdown, 119-93, in the ongoing regular season on November 28, 2024.
Fresh off a nail-biting loss against the Detroit Pistons three days ago, Toronto made the right adjustments and drowned the Pelicans in the last three quarters to score the lopsided win.
It was still a nip-and-tuck affair in the first quarter as CJ McCollum and the Pelicans were able to fire back every time the Raptors made a run. However, when the next frame started, Toronto had its highest-scoring period of the game after dropping 35 points to build a 10-point lead at the half.
Heroes were aplenty for Toronto but it was former undrafted player Jamison Battle who stole the show after recording a new personal career-high in points.
The versatile forward is slowly earning his spot in the rotation and boosted his chances of a better role after erupting for 24 points in just 22 minutes of playing time.
Battle only recorded two misses in the game and sank 9/11 attempts from the field including an efficient 6/8 stroke from the three-point line.
This is the first time that Battle reached double digits in scoring since October 26, 2024, in their game against the Philadelphia 76ers where he tallied 12 markers.
The duo of Ochai Agbaji and RJ Barrett sustained their consistent contribution for the Raptors as the young 1-2 punch churned out 24 and 22 points, respectively.
Agbaji set the tone for Toronto after coming out with an offensive burst derived from a series of tough layups while Barrett woke up in the second quarter after a slow start in the first.
Ja’Kobe Walter, who was inserted as a new member of the Toronto starting five as their floor general, also didn’t disappoint as he delivered a double-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
On the other hand, the Pelicans are yet to play with a complete and healthy lineup. They are still missing the services of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who are both out due to their respective injuries.
New Orleans will look to break their slump on November 30, 2024, as they square off against the rolling Memphis Grizzlies.
