In his fifth NBA game, Raptors rookie Ja’Kobe Walter made his first start on Wednesday night in New Orleans.
Whether it was the addition of Walter to the starting lineup or the simple fact the Pelicans are pathetic, all that mattered was the 119-93 shellacking, Toronto’s first road win this season following 10 straight losses in a battle of four-win teams.
The night began with Walter, the Raptors’ first-round pick, drilling his first look from distance on the game’s opening possession. Walter, who has dealt with a shoulder issue first suffered in the days leading up to training camp, wasn’t shy in launching shots on looks that were much cleaner than the actual game. Two more wayward three-balls were heaved, one turnover committed and one behind-the-back pass leading to a goaltending violation against Pelicans.
With 6:47 left in the opening quarter, Walter was subbed back in for Davion Mitchell, who has filled the void at point guard following Immanuel Quickley’s injury setbacks.
In the second quarter, Walter, who is only 19 years old, produced a highlight reel basket on a feed by Scottie Barnes, then used the dribble to attack the paint and score while showcasing his soft shooting touch and assisted on Barnes’ first make from distance as Toronto, now 5-14, took a double-digit lead.
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The lead would keep growing, Toronto clearly emerging as the better team by halftime with a 61-41 lead, which isn’t saying much given the Pelicans’ lack of quality as New Orleans dropped its sixth game in succession.
Walter ended the night by posting a double-double with 14 points, on 6-for-14 shooting, and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes. He was 2-for-10 from distance but added five assists and a pair of steals.
Ochai Agbaji and Jamison Battle (off the bench) paced the Raptors with 24 points apiece while RJ Barrett added 22.