Ja’Kobe Walter Shines as Raptors Extend Win Streak to Seven

The Toronto Raptors secured their seventh consecutive victory, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 119-109 on November 24, 2025, thanks in large part to the impressive performance of Ja’Kobe Walter. The 21-year-old forward, coming off the bench, showcased his skills with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including 4-for-5 from three-point range during his 19 minutes of play.

Walter Steps Up in Crucial Moments

Head coach Darko Rajakovic has relied heavily on Walter during this winning streak, particularly after starting swingman RJ Barrett left the game early with a sprained right knee. Walter’s ability to bring energy and versatility to the court has been vital. “Just knowing what I’m supposed to do: bring energy to the game,” Walter explained. “No matter how the game’s going, I know I’m supposed to go in and try to increase the lead however I can.”

Walter, along with fellow reserves Jamal Shead and Gradey Dick, contributed significantly to the win, combining for four steals. Walter emphasized the importance of defensive intensity, stating, “That’s just something we’ve always been working on… we just increased that and implemented it.”

Consistency and Growth in Performance

Earlier in the season, Walter faced challenges with his shooting, recording no points in three of his first six games. However, his performance has improved notably in November, highlighted by a 4-for-5 shooting night against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 19, where he scored three three-pointers in a 121-112 win.

Rajakovic praised Walter’s commitment to his development, noting that he takes numerous shots in practice. “Seeing him being confident out there and taking good shots, not forcing anything, was really helpful,” Rajakovic said. For young players like Walter, making good shot selections is crucial to proving themselves in the league.

Starting point guard Immanuel Quickley also recognized Walter’s determination. “You can play well without shooting well,” Quickley commented, reflecting on the lessons learned in the NBA. He added, “You can go 3 for 15, but still affect the game in other ways.” Quickley himself contributed 13 points to the Raptors’ win, including back-to-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

As the Raptors continue their impressive run, the role of players like Ja’Kobe Walter will be crucial in maintaining momentum and addressing injuries within the roster. The team is expected to provide an update on Barrett’s condition following further imaging.