Magic Share Praise for Jakob Poeltl After Big Night for Raptors

The Orlando Magic praised Jakob Poeltl after the Toronto Raptors' center had a huge showing Tuesday night

Aaron Rose | Feb 15, 2023

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

To quote Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley, Jakob Poeltl is a "game changer" for the Toronto Raptors.

Through three games since the trade deadline, Poeltl's impact has been staggering. Toronto has been 37.8 points per 100 possessions better when he's on the court compared to when he's sitting. It's by far the biggest on the team, albeit in a small sample size.

"You see what he did tonight," Mosley said following Poeltl's 30-point performance Tuesday against the Magic. "He was a game changer, not just his offensive rebounds but his ability to set those solid screens. You’re navigating how to get back in front of him and then he does a great job of finishing at the rim."

Poeltl was 4-for-4 on post-up touches Tuesday, dominating the Magic in the post, and working the pick-and-roll with Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet to the tune of a 15-for-17 showing.

"He’s crazy," said Magic guard Jalen Suggs. "He’s a force in the paint. Trying to box him out, you can’t out-jump him. He’s really strong and physical in there. He fits what they want to do. He’s a physical big who’s going to hit you in your mouth and have no remorse about it."

The 7-foot-1 certainly did that in the fourth quarter, swatting away five Magic shot attempts and locking down the paint as Orlando mustered just 43 points in the second half Tuesday night.

Further Reading