The Golden State Warriors are reeling after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending knee injury, but they would have had no chance anyway against Immanuel Quickley and the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, January 20.
The guard posted 40 points and 10 assists on an incredible 11-13 (84.6%) shooting from the field in the Raptors’ 145-127 win. He joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only other player in NBA history to record a 40-point, 10-assist game while shooting over 80% from the field (the latter did it three times in his career).
Quickley had everything working for him against Golden State, as he also knocked down seven of eight 3-point attempts and was a perfect 11-11 from the free-throw line. The Raptors as a team shot 62% from beyond the arc and went 22-22 from the charity stripe.
Immanuel Quickley Has Been Key For Toronto Raptors
Quickley is having another strong season in Toronto, after he was acquired from the New York Knicks as part of the trade for OG Anunoby in December 2023. The sixth-year player out of Kentucky is averaging 16.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 43.3% from the field and 36% from three.
The guard has been crucial for Toronto over the past two weeks as they have dealt with the absence of RJ Barrett, who has missed six games with a left ankle sprain he suffered against the Boston Celtics on January 10. In that span, Quickley is averaging 19.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
With the trade deadline approaching, Toronto is rumored to be one of the more active teams hoping to improve its roster for a deep postseason run. Quickley has been discussed as a possible centerpiece of a trade, but if he keeps playing like this, the Raptors may not want to let him go.
Toronto Raptors Trade Rumors
The Raptors are in need of some size on the interior to pair with Jakob Poeltl once he returns or an upgrade altogether at the center position.
Anthony Davis continues to be a name with a lot of buzz and, given the positive update he received on his injured left hand, could still get moved before the deadline. He won’t be back until the start of the postseason, at the earliest, and the Raptors would definitely be taking a gamble if they acquire him.
Domantas Sabonis, who recently returned from a partially-torn meniscus, is a name that has emerged more recently who would also be a good fit in Toronto. But the Sacramento Kings are reportedly interested in sending the Lithuanian big man to Golden State in a trade for Jonathan Kuminga.
Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns has also been linked to the Raptors and would come cheaper than Davis or Sabonis, and his contract expires at the end of this season.
Raptors’ Immanuel Quickley Joins A Legend With Historic Stat Line