TORONTO — When Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic calls for Ya'Kobe Walter to come on, the 21-year-old forward knows what to do.
Walter has been Rajakovic's main contributor off the bench during Toronto's seven-game winning streak, including getting 19 minutes in the Raptors' 119-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. Walter scored 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, in 19 minutes of play.
“I just know what I have to do: bring energy to the game,” Walter said. “No matter how the game is going, I know I have to go out and try to increase the lead any way I can, whether it be defense, offense or knocking down shots.
“I’m always happy to get in the game and just do what I do.”
Walter and fellow backup point guard Jamal Sheed and forward Grady Dick were relied upon more in Sunday's win after starter RJ Barrett of Mississauga, Ont., left the game early with a sprained right knee.
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Barrett will undergo further testing and the Raptors said they will receive an update on Monday.
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The three reserves combined for four interceptions.
“It’s something we’ve always been working on,” Walter said. “Since last year, we've just ramped it up and executed it, and then when I see opportunities, I always just try to make them happen.
“We don't try to hesitate. We just always go.”
Walter struggled with his shooting early in the season, recording zeroes in three of his first six games. He was more consistent in November, including shooting 4-for-5 with three 3-pointers in a 121–112 win in Philadelphia on November 19.
Rajakovic said Walter's hard work is paying off.
“He’s one of the guys that hits the most shots in our gym, so he’s really looking to develop in that part of his game,” Rajakovic said. “Seeing him be confident and make good shots without forcing anything was really helpful.
“For a young player who wants to prove himself, it's very important to make good shots. I thought he did a really good job today.”
Starting point guard Immanuel Quickley was also impressed with Walter's determination to improve his shooting.
“I think the biggest thing you learn in the NBA is that you can play well without shooting well,” said Quickley, who scored 13 points for Toronto on Sunday, including back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
“I think a lot of fans don't understand that. Sometimes I learned that pretty early in my career. You can go 3-for-15, guard your best player all night, have five steals, seven assists, seven rebounds and maybe not score, but you're still impacting the game in other ways.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 24, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
