Jakob Pöltl recorded a season-high four blocks and 18 points, but a severely depleted Toronto Raptors roster absorbed a 118-102 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.
The loss dropped Toronto to a 5-5 record through their first 10 games of the NBA season. Playing 30 minutes and 56 seconds at the center position, Pöltl added eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal while shooting efficiently from the field.
The Raptors entered the matchup in Memphis missing several key rotation players due to injury and illness. Alongside Kawhi Leonard, Toronto played without Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Collin Murray-Boyles also missed the contest due to an illness.
Despite the steep talent deficit, the remaining active players maintained defensive pressure throughout the evening. Pöltl and his teammates kept the score within reach, trailing closely until the middle of the final quarter before Memphis pulled away to secure the victory.
During the contest, the 31-year-old Austrian center scored his 500th career goal in a Toronto uniform. With his third field goal of the night, Pöltl surpassed 3,000 career points scored for the franchise.
Pöltl now holds 3,013 total points scored in the red and black of the Canadian club. The veteran big man anchors the frontcourt as Toronto prepares for their upcoming schedule.
Toronto looks to bounce back on Wednesday when the squad faces the Boston Celtics. The Celtics arrive in Canada following a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The status of Toronto’s injured players for Wednesday’s contest remains unannounced by the franchise.
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