TORONTO – Ja’Kobe Walter showed his potential in a tough game for the Toronto Raptors, scoring a career-high 27 points. Despite his standout performance, the Raptors were defeated 114-110 by the Houston Rockets, marking their seventh consecutive loss.
Walter, who entered the game known for his sharp shooting, wasted no time showcasing his skills. After hitting three early three-pointers, he faced a defensive challenge from Houston’s Alperen Sengun. Sengun had to decide whether to contest Walter’s shooting or risk allowing a drive. Walter made the right choice, knocking down a deep three-pointer as Sengun backed off.
“We’ve just been harping on being more aggressive, so that’s the mentality I came here with,” Walter said after the game. “They were sagging off and everybody wants me to shoot the ball, so that’s what I did.”
His 27-point effort was a bright spot in a disappointing loss for the Raptors, who have struggled with consistency throughout the season. Walter’s explosive start, scoring the team’s first 14 points, was not enough to secure the win, as the Raptors’ lead dwindled and they ultimately succumbed to the Rockets.
Entering the NBA as a sharp shooter, Walter had faced early challenges, including a rough start to the season. Before Sunday’s game, he had only made 22% of his three-pointers and had been shooting 36% overall from the field. However, the Raptors have continued to encourage him to maintain an aggressive approach, emphasizing his ability to contribute offensively.
“They know what I’m capable of doing. They’ve seen the film. So just stay aggressive but always just kind of have that mentality that I’m a dog, go at people and hunt for shots,” Walter said.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the ups and downs of young players like Walter, noting that inconsistency is part of the learning process. Walter was selected 19th overall in the 2024 NBA draft and has faced injuries that delayed his debut. After recovering from a shoulder injury, he has shown promise but continues to adjust to the fast pace of NBA competition.
Sunday’s game highlighted the Raptors’ youth, as they fielded their second-youngest lineup of all time. Despite Walter’s strong performance, the team struggled, and a late-game rally from the Rockets sealed the Raptors’ fate. Walter fouled out with just under three minutes remaining, and the Raptors could have used his hot hand in the final moments.
Veteran Garrett Temple provided guidance throughout the game, helping Walter with advice on playing smart and avoiding foul trouble. “He was just telling me… know what position I’m in right now, know I got five fouls, don’t even put myself in that position,” Walter said, appreciating the veteran’s mentorship.
In addition to Walter’s performance, former Raptors player Fred VanVleet was recognized during the second quarter of the game. VanVleet, a key member of the Raptors’ 2019 championship team, struggled in his return to Toronto, finishing with just two points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Raptors star Scottie Barnes, who has been battling injuries, also struggled throughout the game. He finished with only six points on 2-of-15 shooting, including 0-of-8 from three-point range. Coach Rajakovic explained that Barnes is not yet at full health, noting that a hip injury and other ailments have been limiting his performance.
Additionally, Canadian R.J. Barrett missed his second consecutive game due to illness. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic mentioned that Barrett had participated in the team’s pre-game activities but was ultimately unable to play due to feeling unwell.
The Raptors now look ahead to future games, where Walter’s continued development will be crucial to their efforts to turn around the season. The team’s youth and growth are evident, but as injuries and consistency issues persist, the road to improvement remains challenging.
