Toronto Raptors guard shoulders blame after heartbreaking overtime defeat vs. the Los Angeles Clippers
Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead took responsibility for offensive distribution after the Raptors’ 121-117 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena. Shead finished the game with 15 points and a career‑high 13 assists, marking the most assists he has recorded in a single NBA game. Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 24 points, and Brandon Ingram posted 19 points, six rebounds and two assists for the Raptors in the loss. The Raptors were without RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley in the contest.
Shead, asked about how the team could have helped Ingram get easier scoring opportunities, said: “(Ingram) only got 13 shots and that’s my fault.”
His remarks followed a fourth quarter in which Toronto surrendered a late lead and allowed the Clippers to force overtime and outscore the Raptors in the extra period. Shead’s assist total tied him with the most assists in the Raptors’ game, but Toronto’s late offensive execution did not yield the win.
Jamal Shead Is Having a Standout Season
Shead, 6‑foot‑1 guard drafted 45th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, is in his second NBA season with the Raptors. After showing flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, Shead has seen an uptick in minutes this season (22 minutes per game). In 43 games played, he is currently averaging 7.2 points, 5.6 assists and 1.8 rebounds.
His 2025‑26 assist figure has made him one of the primary facilitators for the Raptors this season, especially in a backcourt that has seen injuries and lineup adjustments. Shead’s development from his rookie year, where he averaged 4.2 assists per game, to this season’s 5.6 assists per game has been notable as he continues to be thrust into more playmaking responsibilities.
The 23-year-old already recorded a career high in points during Sunday’s 116-115 overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. In that game, he recorded 22 points and six assists, while shooting 46.7% from the field.
Despite Friday’s loss, the Raptors (25-18) still remain among the top teams in the Eastern Conference, holding the fourth best record. Toronto will now prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, hoping to return to winning ways. The Raptors will hope Ingram, who has been their best player this season, can get more of the ball against the team that drafted him second overall in 2016.
Tipoff is set for 9:30 pm ET, with TV coverage on TSN.