Sometimes the best player on a basketball court isn’t the one putting the ball through the basket. Toronto Raptors fans got a pretty good reminder of that on Friday night when Jamal Shead delivered a career-high 16 assists in a 127-107 comeback victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

I watched this one, and what stood out wasn’t simply the number of assists. It was how comfortably Shead seemed to run the game. He knew where the ball needed to go, found teammates in good positions and kept the offence moving. There was a sense that Toronto had somebody at the controls who understood what the team needed. He never hesitated to give directions all over the floor.

Shead Gave Toronto More Than the Box Score Shows

Making his first start of the season, Shead played 34 minutes and finished with 10 points, 16 assists, three rebounds and two steals. Even more impressive, he committed just one turnover. Those numbers tell us something about his night, but they don’t quite capture the importance of his contribution. A point guard doesn’t have to dominate the scoring column to dominate a game. Sometimes the job is recognizing what everybody else can do and helping them do it.

Toronto was without Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, among other key players, so somebody needed to take on additional responsibility. Shead didn’t look overwhelmed by the opportunity.

A Good Night for the Raptors’ Supporting Cast

Shead wasn’t the only pleasant surprise. Alijah Martin had a career-high 27 points, RJ Barrett also scored 27, while Jakob Poeltl and Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 19 apiece. Toronto had trailed by as many as 15 points before turning things around with a remarkable 70-47 second half. The Raptors improved to 5-4, while Milwaukee fell to 1-8.

It’s tempting to look at one outstanding performance and start imagining what comes next. I’d be a little careful about doing that with Shead. One start doesn’t answer every question about Toronto’s backcourt. But it does offer an encouraging possibility.

The Raptors need players who can step into bigger roles when injuries disrupt the lineup. Shead showed he can bring more than energy and defensive effort. He can organize an offence, make good decisions and get teammates involved.

Sixteen assists are impressive. Making the game easier for everybody around you might be even more important.

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