TORONTO – Rookie ahead Gradey Dick is proving he can rating within the NBA, however he’d be happier if his Toronto Raptors may get a win.
Dick had a career-high 23 factors as Toronto was routed by the New York Knicks 145-101 on Wednesday for the Raptors’ twelfth consecutive loss.
The 44-point differential was the worst dwelling loss in franchise historical past, surpassing a 139-98 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on March 5 in Toronto’s first sport of the shedding skid.
“It’s not as a lot about factors after we get a tricky loss like this,” mentioned Dick, whose earlier greatest was 22 factors at New Orleans on Feb. 5. “However you are taking away the loss within the sport, and take into consideration me as a rookie, and what I’ve been attempting to realize as my dream as somewhat child, it’s cool to consider, that I used to be capable of put up some factors.
“On the similar time, it actually doesn’t imply something with no win.”
Centre Kelly Olynyk of Kamloops, B.C., had 13 factors, eight assists and 7 rebounds in a sport the place Toronto (23-50) by no means held a lead.
The already depleted Raptors misplaced guard Ochai Agbaji to damage throughout the first six minutes of the sport.
Associated Movies
Agbaji was injured attempting to transform an alley-oop move from Olynyk. The 23-year-old guard missed the dunk and fell onerous on his tailbone, instantly placing his hand on his decrease again as he writhed on the ground in apparent ache.
Breaking information from Canada and world wide
despatched to your electronic mail, because it occurs.
He needed to be helped to the locker room and didn’t return to the sport with a proper hip contusion. A spokeswoman mentioned Agbaji’s X-rays got here again unfavorable however staff docs would proceed to watch him.
“For a second it was actually scary as a result of he couldn’t transfer in any respect,” mentioned Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic. “It was simply nice to see him to have the ability to stroll off the ground and I hope that it’s nothing severe.”
Agbaji’s damage added to Toronto’s prolonged inactive checklist.
All-star ahead Scottie Barnes (left hand fracture), centre Jakob Poeltl (left hand torn ligament), swingman RJ Barrett (private causes), level guard Immanuel Quickley (private causes), ahead Chris Boucher (partial MCL tear), guard D.J. Carton (proper ankle sprain) and Jontay Porter (private causes) have been already out.
“I’m studying loads this entire 12 months. I’m studying loads. Simply totally different conditions that we face evening in and evening out,” mentioned Rajakovic, who’s in his first 12 months as an NBA head coach. “We didn’t plan for Ochai to get injured within the first quarter.
“It’s identical to learn how to proceed staying aggressive in these video games is crucial factor for me. And discovering methods to enhance.”
Miles McBride scored 29 factors and had seven assists as New York (44-28) gained its third straight. Jalen Brunson added 26 factors and 7 assists.
“You may’t waste any time with (Brunson) since you look away only one second and he might be going round you,” mentioned the 20-year-old Dick. “However in my state of affairs, it’s wonderful for me and I would like that.
“I all the time discuss at my age, however at my age, that’s what I would like as a rookie.”
Former Raptors ahead Valuable Achiuwa had a double-double off the bench for 19 factors and 13 boards in his first sport again in Toronto since he was dealt to the Knicks on Dec. 30.
New York head coach Tom Thibodeau has performed Achiuwa at each energy ahead and centre. He already has seven-foot Mitchell Robinson, seven-foot-one Isaiah Hartenstein and six-foot-10 Jericho Sims obtainable to play the 5.
“Valuable has performed very well at each positions,” mentioned Thibodeau. “In order that’s been an added bonus.”
ANUNOBY & ACHIUWA — OG Anunoby and Achiuwa have been honoured with video tributes within the first quarter. Toronto traded the pair Dec. 30 to the Knicks for Barrett of Mississauga, Ont., and Quickley. Solely Achiuwa performed Wednesday. Anunoby was recovering from elbow surgical procedure and each Barrett and Quickley have been inactive for private causes.
UP NEXT
The Raptors proceed their homestand Sunday after they host the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks journey to San Antonio to face the Spurs on Friday evening.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed March 27, 2024.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
