A successful first “money time” for Nolan Traore

The ball was intercepted on the opponent’s throw-in, the start of the dribble to start the transition and a good pass to Michael Porter Jr. was thrown towards the circle. Nolan Traore has just launched sin match against the Raptors.

Then on the next possession, the playmaker was able to open the way to the rim, converting his third big league field goal, his first since a late October evening. In recent weeks, the Frenchman has been busy gaining experience and confidence further down the G-League.

Called up again by the Netshe recovered minutes earlier in December against the Mavs and Bucks. But without goals, and with limited playing time (8 and 9 minutes). A change of scale against the Raptors, then, with the most playing time of his young career (22 minutes).

« He looked confident, seemed in rhythm. He shot when he had to, he was solid with the ball. He played the pick and roll, he looked fast », states Jordi Fernandes who also appreciated his defensive efforts, especially materialized by countering Immanuel Quickley’s breakthrough.

Useful passage to Long Island

The Frenchman convinced his coach so much that he returned him to the floor 7 minutes from the end of the match, which will surely turn in favor of the New Yorkers. In the heart of his first NBA money time, the 19th overall pick excelled with an inside pass to Nick Claxton and another rush to the rim.

« He did a good job overall. All the minutes he played in Long Island seem to be serving him well now and he came here with a lot of confidence. That’s the bottom line: minutes are the best way to develop, and he used those minutes on Long Island, and now he’s using them here. He was a key part of our victory in this match », he greets his coach again.

Not shy when it comes to shooting, the Frenchman finished with 8 points (3/9 on shots including 1/4 from distance), 3 rebounds and 2 assists. “ I was waiting for this match and I simply took advantage of the opportunity that was presented to me. I think I did well and I hope it continues », shows the person in question, before adding in French: “ It’s only a matter of time before everything goes really, really well. »

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.