TORONTO – Sandro Mamukelashvili took the recommendation of his new Toronto Raptors teammates and training workers to shoot the basketball extra.
The 26-year-old from Georgia contributed 15 factors to Toronto’s 128-100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks earlier than an introduced 18,357 at Scotiabank Area on Tuesday.
Mamukelashvili helped the Raptors (4-4) lengthen their win streak to a few video games by nailing a trio of three-point jumpers.
The six-foot-nine, 246-pound Mamukelashvili additionally grabbed seven rebounds, together with 4 on the offensive boards, whereas taking part in a season-high 23 minutes.
“I wish to earn the minutes and show that I deserve the minutes,” Mamukelashvili stated.
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“I’m excited. I really feel my teammates and the teaching workers belief my shot. I’m getting there.”
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Mamukelashvili, in his fifth NBA season, signed a two-year contract within the low season after a stint with the San Antonio Spurs.
“I’ve solely proven in spurts in my [first] 4 years within the NBA,” stated Mamukelashvili, who’s fast for his dimension.
He remarked that he’s a distinct participant in North America than his position as a frontrunner of the Georgian nationwide workforce.
“Sandro is an efficient rebounder, a superb offensive rebounder,” Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic stated. “He’s simply getting extra comfy. It was a step in the fitting route.”
Mamukelashvili’s robust outing coincided with centre Jakob Poeltl’s return after a three-game absence with a lower-back ailment.
Poeltl began and was wholesome sufficient to play 20 minutes. He scored eight factors and led the Raptors with 9 rebounds.
“I’m nonetheless away from feeling 100 per cent,” Poeltl stated. “There have been sure occasions it stiffened up on me, however I’m proud of the way in which I managed it. It was a optimistic expertise.”
A wholesome Poeltl is critical to the Raptors’ success.
“Jakob seemed extra cell and aggressive,” Rajakovic stated.
BARNES SCARE
The Raptors averted critical harm when Scottie Barnes returned for the second half after a short keep within the locker room.
He suffered a strained left thumb late within the second half, however matched RJ Barrett with a game-high 23 factors.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Nov. 4, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
