This unconventional bench spark has offered the Raptors a new edge

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This unconventional bench spark has offered the Raptors a new edge

Sandro Mamukelashvili has brought a fresh dynamic to the Raptors, delivering a notable impact on the team's performance. Toronto has long needed a steady bench presence, and their quiet offseason addition, Mamukelashvili, is living up to the two-year, $5.5 million deal. Through 12 appearances this season, he averages 9.6 points on 59.4% shooting, 44.8% from three, 80.0% at the line, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Mamukelashvili sits just behind rookie Collin Murray-Boyles (20.4 minutes) for the most bench minutes at 18.1 per game. While he functions as Toronto’s primary sixth man in effect, Murray-Boyles has started three times in the 2025-26 campaign, signaling role fluidity.

Mamu has proven to be an easy plug-in for Toronto, consistently acting as a key engine to spark the second unit. He has scored double-digits off the bench in his last five outings, averaging 12.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, during a stretch where the Raptors have gone 4-1.

Even in under twenty minutes, the Georgian-American big man has shown efficiency and versatility, helping offset some defensive gaps with energy on the court. His rim finishing stands out, with a high rate of baskets at the rim, contributing to his value as a reliable scoring option off the bench and as a versatile tool for Toronto’s offense. His defense may not be perfect, but his impact as an energy contributor adds significant value to the second unit.

Key stats and context

Season averages: 9.6 points on 59.4% FG, 44.8% 3PT, 80.0% FT, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists per game, across 12 appearances.
Bench role: 18.1 minutes per game, second-most among Raptors reserves behind Collin Murray-Boyles.
Recent stretch: 5 straight games with double-digit points off the bench, totaling 12.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.6 APG in that period.

Context and potential

Mamukelashvili’s presence provides Toronto with flexibility to switch across positions, expanding rotation depth and allowing the team to maintain offensive flow when starters rest. The ongoing contributions from the bench align with a broader narrative of Toronto’s depth creating a sustainable tactical edge. His performance complements the Raptors’ defensive schemes by offering a reliable scoring punch and high-efficiency shot-making in limited minutes.

Author’s summary

Raptors’ bench gains momentum as Mamukelashvili steadily delivers efficient scoring and versatile energy, solidifying a valuable secondary engine for Toronto. (118 characters)

Raptors Rapture — 2025-11-18