Gary Trent Jr., who has played in the NBA for seven seasons, now finds himself in a new role as a mentor on the young Toronto Raptors team at 25 years old.
In a match where the undermanned Raptors lost to the Orlando Magic 113-103, Trent scored a season-high 31 points and matched a season-best of seven three-pointers. He is the longest tenured player on a Toronto roster that is dealing with numerous injuries and unavailable players.
Trent commented, 'I have experienced every aspect of the game throughout my time with the Portland Trail Blazers and Raptors. I have been on the bench, a deep reserve, a regular in the rotation, and a starter. This experience helps me handle different situations.'
He added, 'I've been in all those different situations throughout my entire career.'
RJ Barrett, a forward for Toronto, missed the game due to the loss of his younger brother. This added to the roster troubles of a Raptors squad already missing Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl from its starting lineup, as well as Chris Boucher.
Due to the absences and roster changes, Trent has emerged as a voice of experience in the Raptors’ locker room. He was even consulted by rookie Gradey Dick on whether to get a specific tattoo.
Trent stated, 'I focus on working hard and controlling what I can. I aim to be a good teammate and person, and contribute to winning as much as possible.'
He emphasized, 'That is my main focus.'
Paolo Banchero finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists as Orlando (39-28) secured its seventh win in nine games. Franz Wagner contributed 19 points and seven boards.
Immanuel Quickley achieved a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists, but Toronto (23-44) suffered its sixth consecutive loss. Jordan Nwora scored 14 points off the bench for the Raptors.
Nwora, who was traded to Toronto on Jan. 17, acknowledged the challenge of inconsistent playing time in the NBA. He emphasized the importance of making the most of every opportunity.
He also expressed the desire for consistent minutes with a fully healthy team, recognizing the current situation with injuries.
Before the game, a moment of silence honored 20-year-old Nathan Tyler Barrett, the younger brother of RJ Barrett and son of Rowan Barrett, the general manager of Canada’s national men’s basketball team. It was announced that the younger Barrett passed away on Tuesday.
RJ Barrett missed the recent games to be with his family following the passing of his brother. Toronto head coach Darko Rajakovic mentioned that there is no set timetable for Barrett's return.
Rajakovic stated, 'He’s going to take as much time as is needed to process this hard time for him and his family. We’re in touch with RJ and his family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. We’re hoping they can feel our support and love.'
Even though the Raptors were ahead 27-24 after the first quarter, Orlando started to slowly reduce the lead in the second.
Wagner drove to the basket with 5:30 remaining in the second quarter to put the Magic ahead by one point. He scored eight points during the quarter, and the Magic finished the first half with a 50-48 lead.
Nwora made a 26-foot three-pointer with 4:26 left in the third quarter to give Toronto a 69-67 lead. Nwora then ran back down the court, encouraging the sold-out Scotiabank Arena crowd of 19,800, as the Raptors took their first lead since the second quarter.
Orlando responded with a 14-0 run to achieve its largest lead of the game. Banchero scored five of those points and assisted on three other field goals. The Magic led 84-73 going into the final quarter. Toronto reduced the gap to seven in the fourth but could not get any closer.
UP NEXT — The Raptors will complete their home-and-home series in Orlando on Sunday evening.
This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on March 15, 2024.
