Zurab Talakvadze

Mamukelashvili is a key reserve for Toronto.

Toronto Raptors has lost 6 out of final 10 games, but remain in the playoffs range as of today. The team is avoiding long term losing streaks and tries to stand pat. And one of the reasons for the unexpected success is the regular dominance of Sandro Mamukelashvili.

Sandro is having a season of his life. He remains among Toronto leaders in many pivotal statistics. Mamukelashvili is fourth with 10.5 points per game (Brandon Ingram is leading the pack with 21.7, followed by Scottie Barnes 19.3), third in rebounds with 4.6 (Barnes is the leader with 8.0) and is leading the whole team in the field percentage with 52.7 (next one is RJ Barrett with 50.6).

Sandro is improving on defense as well. He is told to sometimes to sacrifice his scoring to put more energy on defensive work. And he is doing this on a high level. Toronto is not afraid to put Sandro on the floor in crunch time as well, as evidenced in the some important battles of late.

But the East is improving and Toronto will need every inch of its talent to stay among the Conference’s elite. Detroit continues to impress with a raw power and is leading the way with 21:6.  New York (20:8)  just captured the NBA Cup and on paper is the most talented Eastern squad of all. Boston is still missing Mr Tatum, but continues to impress with 18:11 and some hot streaks as well.

And, so Toronto does not have a room for a single unexpected mistake. And Toronto needs the full squad. Healthy. Period.

Raptors have one of the better starting five in East alone. And, Jakob Poeltl remains the unsung hero for the Raptors, as he is patrolling the post and making all the dirty work. He is averaging just 9.7 points, 7.7 boards and 2.1 dimes this season, but remains solid on defense and does not live any prisoners as well.

As for Sandro, he just had his season high 24 points (along with 6 three pointers) against Boston. Sandro is a beast on a fast break and remains dangerous against zone defense. Sandro is giving Toronto all the ask from him.

The guy is on a tear.