Immanuel Quickley has provided 101 points through four games, but don’t suggest he’s “caught fire” for the Toronto Raptors, who just wrapped up a trip out West with a 4-1 record.
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“I didn’t catch fire,” said the 26-year-old from Maryland, in response to this image evoked by a journalist in a post-game press conference broadcast on NBA Content Network, after a 103-101 victory Sunday in OKC, against the reigning NBA champions.
“I’m not the type of guy whose output changes all the time,” Quickley continued. I keep a cool head. I continue to work, watch video, take care of myself, and trust God. »
Quickley led the Raptors with 23 points, including two crucial three-pointers, with 1:49 and 1:16 on the clock. He also made the decisive free throws with 8.2 seconds left.
Beginning in a game in San Francisco on January 20, he had 40, 18, 20 and 23 points. Was this a result of being particularly fit?
“More a question of mentality,” he replied. The mind probably accounts for 80% in professional sport. That’s the mentality I have: don’t take a night off and try to dominate in attack and defense in every game. »
On January 7, in Charlotte, Quickley scored a last-second game-winning three-pointer.
“He makes the big shots,” said Ja’kobe Walter, who returned to the game after right hip problems. He lives for these moments. »
Quickley averaged 17.1 points this season in 45 games.
“He doesn’t rush things,” Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said. He trusts his teammates. There is a calm that inhabits him and that helps him a lot. »
Scottie Barnes delivered another exceptional game, he who could very well be named among the league’s all-star players on Sunday evening, when the league reveals the rest of the guests for the all-star game on February 15.
PHOTO ALONZO ADAMS, IMAGN IMAGES, PROVIDED BY REUTERS CONNECT
Scottie Barnes
With Toronto clinging to a two-point cushion, Barnes blocked a Chet Holmgren shot and grabbed the loose ball with 28 seconds left. Then, with 13 seconds left, he grabbed the rebound after a missed free throw by Jamal Shead. That led to key free throws from Quickley.
Returning after missing seven games, Walter stood out with nine points and three steals.
Undefeated for four games, the Toronto club has 16 road victories, a record in the East.
With their 29-19 record, the Raptors are just one win away from matching their haul from the entire previous season.
“We learn every game,” Rajakovic said. What’s the comfort level of our players, how to optimize screens, that sort of thing. There is a lot of material to pore over, in an ongoing process. There is something to take away from every match. »
Leaders in the circuit for points in quick restarts (19.2), the Raptors are second in the league with 17 wins in tough situations (when there is a maximum of five points difference in the last five minutes).
They are also fifth for fewest turnovers per game (13.1).
The Raptors will play again Wednesday night at home, against the New York Knicks.
