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Historic achievement for a rookie
In a stunning display of talent and determination, Jonathan Mogbo of the Toronto Raptors made headlines by becoming the first NBA rookie to record a triple-double this season. During a dominant 126-96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Mogbo showcased his skills with an impressive stat line of 17 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.
This remarkable performance not only marked his first triple-double in the NBA but also his first at any level of competitive basketball.
Celebration and support from teammates
As the game concluded, the Raptors’ bench erupted in celebration, highlighting the camaraderie and respect Mogbo has earned among his teammates.
“It was a lot of stuff going on, but it was great to see everybody happy,” Mogbo expressed, reflecting on the joy of sharing this milestone with his fellow players. His head coach, Darko Rajakovic, emphasized the significance of the moment, stating, “People that are inside the organization know how much work he put in this year and are really proud of the kid.” This sentiment underscores the hard work and dedication Mogbo has displayed throughout the season.
Rising star in the NBA
Before this game, Mogbo was averaging 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and two assists over 19.6 minutes per game. However, with the Raptors eliminated from playoff contention, Mogbo’s role expanded, allowing him to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
“It’s been a great journey,” he said, reflecting on his growth as a player. Selected 31st overall in the second round of the NBA draft, Mogbo’s transition from college basketball at the University of San Francisco to the professional league has been remarkable.
Rajakovic noted the importance of Mogbo adapting his game, stating, “He still needs to run the floor. He just needs to translate his game from position five to position four and just to be himself out there.”