Two Raptors Guards Shine In NBA Cup Matchup Against Bucks

The Toronto Raptors refused to let a heartbreaking loss to Denver keep them down as they clawed their way to a dominant 121-107 win over the Milwaukee Bucks during NBA Cup competition on Friday night.

While RJ Barrett delivered in typical fashion with a 27-point performance, the spotlight went to guards Alijah Martin and Jamal Shead who each had career nights.

Martin scored a career-best 27 points while collecting four rebounds and logging one assist. On the other hand, Shead tallied a career-high 16 assists along with 10 points, three rebounds and two steals.

Martin's showing was the most impressive given that it was the first game this season in which he recorded double-digit points. The 24-year-old's electric shooting is also worth highlighting as he shot 81.8% from the field and 85.7% from distance. Even though it's unlikely that he'll be able to replicate those numbers often, last night proved why Martin will be a key piece for Toronto down the stretch.

His potential for having nights like that and his performance during Summer League play had a role in general manager Bobby Webster's decision to sign him to a two-year extension, which has clearly paid off.

Shead is still worth keeping an eye on as well given he's not that far removed from a 13-point game against the Magic last Wednesday in which he also logged seven assists, four rebounds and two steals.

With superstar Kawhi Leonard recovering from left knee swelling, Martin and Shead should continue to get additional minutes in head coach Darko Rajaković's rotations. Their youth and athleticism will be especially valuable against major conference rivals like Orlando, Philadelphia and the New York Knicks.

Besides Martin and Shead, the Raptors would be wise to keep leaning on Scottie Barnes. Although he sat out of Friday's contest due to groin tightness, the 25-year-old has been the Raptors' core contributor outside of Leonard. Barnes has averaged an outstanding 23.5 points per game this season and logged 17 points on Wednesday against a formidable Nuggets squad.

Nonetheless, the impact of Leonard's absence has been felt over the past few games as Toronto would suffer back-to-back losses to Orlando and the Lakers before finally coming away with a win over the Clippers.

Even then, the Raptors should have a great chance at stacking wins as long as Martin and Shead keep making the most of the opportunities presented to them.