(Toronto) Recently acquired Jakob Poeltl was brilliant with 30 points and six blocks on Tuesday, helping the Toronto Raptors win 123-113 over the Orlando Magic.
Obtained from Spurs at the trade deadline, the seven-foot-one Austrian was playing his third game with the Raptors.
Poeltl is actually making a return to Toronto, having spent the first two seasons of his career with the Raptors.
Poeltl also had nine rebounds and a steal on Tuesday, helping the team claim their fifth win in six games.
In terms of points, he delivered his second most productive game of the season.
“We have several guys who have long reach and are very athletic. It really makes it harder for the opponent in the bottle, Poeltl said. I’m just trying to play my part. I think I’m getting more and more comfortable. »
“He’s the type of player we needed the most,” said star player Pascal Siakam, who had 26 points.
“The fact that he is here is huge. I don’t think any of our other guys have blocked six shots in a game this season. We definitely needed it. »
Scottie Barnes contributed 17 points and reserve Chris Boucher 13, among the team’s 29 points.
Boucher punctuated the first quarter with a dunk and a free throw, when a second and a half remained in the engagement.
The Raptors were leading 35-27 after 12 minutes.
The play came from one of 15 assists from Fred VanVleet, author of a personal high in this regard this season.
In the second quarter, shortly after a timeout requested by the Raptors, Boucher pounced on a free throw missed by Barnes and dunked.
Precious Achiuwa (11 points), VanVleet (10) and Malachi Flynn (10) also contributed to the points table.
VanVleet also had three successful flights.
Achiuwa also stood out with 13 rebounds.
Veteran Thad Young left in the second quarter with a left knee injury. He racked up four runs and a steal in seven minutes.
OG Anunoby missed a 10e game away, injured left wrist.
Gary Trent was out for a second game in a row with a left calf injury.
Coach Nick Nurse was back at the helm.
He was missing Sunday against Detroit for personal reasons. Adrian Griffin then managed the Raptors.
Orlando and Toronto met for the fourth and final time this season.
The Raptors won at home on Dec. 3, but the Magic prevailed in Florida on Dec. 9-11.
It was the Raptors’ last game before the all-star break.
Siakam will compete in the annual classic in Utah. Barnes will be at the Rising Stars game.
Toronto sits ninth in the East, by virtue of a 28-31 record.
The club will play again on February 23 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Wendell Carter and Jalen Suggs led Orlando with 26 and 24 points, respectively.
Last draft pick Paolo Banchero scored 13 points.
Banchero will be at the Rising Stars game and the skills competition.
Fifth in scoring for the Magic, Cole Anthony was out of action with a right wrist injury.
Orlando was tough, taking a 70-65 lead at the half. The local club had only been able to attempt four free throws so far (2 for 4), while the Magic went for a 10 for 11.
The Raptors responded well, however, with an 18-5 push giving them an eight-point cushion in the third quarter. They led 94-89 going into the final quarter.
In the final stretch of the game, a key sequence consisted of a long two-pointer from Siakam, a block from Poeltl, two free throws from Flynn, a block from Boucher and another field goal from Siakam, at 1:20.
With a 107-96 lead, the Raptors stayed the course thereafter.