Jamal Shead credited Toronto’s ball security as a key factor in Monday’s 106-96 victory over Miami. “Every time we didn’t turn the ball over, we at least got a shot, chance at an offensive rebound,” he said.
Shead emphasized playing off teammates’ strengths, particularly Brandon Ingram and Sandro Mamukelashvili. “Honestly just finding guys’ strengths… me and Sandro had a really good connection early,” he explained.
The Raptors guard discussed adapting to Miami’s defensive adjustments. “When they went to the zone, it was just more about being smart with the ball… letting Scottie or BI play make,” Shead said.
He praised Scottie Barnes’ energy in clutch moments, noting the forward’s influence on both ends of the floor. “He comes out, still pushing the ball, yelling at us to run, chase down blocks… he does it all,” Shead added.
Shead reflected on the team’s need for a confidence-building win after a recent stretch of losses. “We really needed this W just for our morale… we played really hard and did a lot of things great,” he said.
On his personal approach off the bench, Shead described a focus on aggression and letting the game come to him. “Just going two feet in the paint… if it’s my chance to score, it’s my chance to score. If someone’s open, it’s someone open,” he explained.
He also discussed creating space alongside Toronto’s big men. “Mamu and Jak… yin and yang, two different players… I figure out when I can help them out and when it’s their time to be aggressive,” Shead said.
Facing former mentor Davion Mitchell, Shead reflected on learning from him and applying those lessons. “It felt like training camp last year… I learned so much from him that I wouldn’t be in this position without him,” he said.
Toronto snapped a four-game losing streak, with Ingram leading all scorers at 28 points and Barnes recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Miami, now 14-12, was held under 100 points for the first time this season.
The Raptors move to 16-11 and will continue their road trip in Milwaukee on Thursday, while Miami travels to Brooklyn aiming to end their five-game slide.
