Jamal Shead made his presence felt in a big way against the Clippers, dishing out a career-high 13 assists in what’s been a breakout stretch for the Raptors’ sophomore guard. With Toronto battling through a wave of injuries, Shead’s been thrust into a larger role-and he’s seizing the moment with poise and precision.
Averaging 7 points and 5.5 assists per game this season, Shead’s numbers don’t leap off the page at first glance. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see a young floor general growing more comfortable by the game. His performance tonight was a showcase of what he brings to the table as a playmaker: speed in transition, patience in the halfcourt, and a knack for making the right read in real time.
Against L.A., Shead was in full command. Whether it was pushing the pace off a rebound or probing the defense in the pick-and-roll, he consistently found the open man.
He got downhill with purpose, collapsed the defense, and kicked out to shooters with pinpoint accuracy. When he wasn’t spraying it to the perimeter, he was threading bounce passes into the paint or tossing up lobs with touch.
His live-dribble decision-making was sharp-never rushed, always reading the floor.
What’s been especially promising is how Shead has handled the uptick in responsibility. Injuries have forced Toronto to shuffle the deck, and Shead has responded by leaning into what he does best: setting the table for others. That ability to control tempo and create looks for teammates is exactly what the Raptors have needed during this stretch.
This 13-assist performance wasn’t just a personal milestone-it was a reflection of how Shead’s game is evolving. He’s not just filling in; he’s growing into a role that could stick long-term. And if he keeps delivering like this, Toronto may have found a key piece for their future rotation.