Walter’s shooting an asset off the Raptors’ bench

When Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic calls on Ja'Kobe Walter to sub in, the 21-year-old forward knows what to do.

TORONTO – When Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic calls on Ja’Kobe Walter to sub in, the 21-year-old forward knows what to do.

Walter has been Rajakovic’s go-to player off the bench during Toronto’s seven-game win streak, including getting 19 minutes in the Raptors’ 119-109 triumph over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. Walter had 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including 4 for 5 from beyond the arc over 19 minutes of play.

“Just knowing what I’m supposed to do: bring energy to the game,” said Walter. “No matter how the game’s going, I know I’m supposed to go in and try to increase the lead however I can, whether that’s defensively, offensively, knocking down shots.

“I’m just always excited to get in the game and just do what I do.”

Walter and fellow reserves point guard Jamal Shead and forward Gradey Dick were relied on more heavily in Sunday’s win after starting swingman RJ Barrett of Mississauga, Ont., left the game early with a sprained right knee.

Barrett will have further imaging done and the Raptors said they’d have an update on Monday.

The three bench players combined for four steals in the win.

“That’s just something we’ve always been working on,” said Walter. “Ever since last year, we just increased that and implemented it and then whenever I see the opportunities, I always just try to go.