Sandro Mamukelashvili credited Toronto Raptors’ ball movement and point guard play for his standout 22-point, nine-rebound performance in Wednesday’s 122-109 win over Sacramento.
“I’m happy that the guys are finding me when I roll. That makes it easy,” Mamukelashvili said. “Right now I have bigs on me, so I’m kind of reading what they’re doing. If they’re in drop, I have a pop opportunity, but they’re kind of in between, so it’s a good time to roll.”
The big man also noted the impact of his teammates on his effectiveness. “IQ [Immanuel Quickley] and Jamal [Shead] are so good at throwing that pocket pass, it makes my life super easy. I love popping, but I’m realizing and adding that aspect to my game.”
Toronto’s third-quarter dominance, fueled by Scottie Barnes’ 14 points, allowed the Raptors to flip a halftime deficit into a 43-21 surge. Mamukelashvili credited the spacing and decision-making of the guards. “It makes IQ’s job a little easier when Jamal is out there. He can space out more, get into a rhythm, and it takes pressure off him,” he said.
He also praised Shead’s ability to create opportunities. “Jamal finds openings, finds Brandon Ingram when he needs the ball, facilitates, gets everybody involved, and knocks down threes. Having two ball handlers on the floor is cool because they can both come off the screen, pass, or make a shot. I just run down and see whoever has the matchup we need,” Mamukelashvili said.
The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field and committed just 10 turnovers while outrebounding Sacramento 47-45. Barnes added 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Ingram also scored 23 points, helping Toronto maintain offensive balance after a sluggish first half.
Sacramento struggled to match Toronto’s efficiency, with Russell Westbrook scoring 23 points on 22 shots and Zach LaVine adding 19 points and five assists. The Kings played without Domantas Sabonis, who was rested following three consecutive games post-injury.
Toronto improved to 26-19 and remains fourth in the Eastern Conference, while Sacramento fell to 12-32 in the Western Conference. The Raptors continue their road trip Friday in Portland, and the Kings travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers.
