NBA – Ukic hits NBA career-high 22 points as Raptors shock Spurs
TORONTO (NBA) - Croatia international Roko-Leni Ukic has been used sparingly in his rookie campaign with the struggling Toronto Raptors but after being given a chance to play big minutes on Wednesday, he responded in spectacular fashion. Ukic scored 22 points and made the big shots down the stretch to lead the Raptors to a 91-89 upset of the visiting San Antonio Spurs (35-16), who failed to capitalize on the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat at Utah.
TORONTO (NBA) - Croatia international Roko-Leni Ukic has been used sparingly in his rookie campaign with the struggling Toronto Raptors but after being given a chance to play big minutes on Wednesday, he responded in spectacular fashion.
Ukic scored 22 points and made the big shots down the stretch to lead the Raptors to a 91-89 upset of the visiting San Antonio Spurs (35-16), who failed to capitalize on the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat at Utah.
Ukic, a fixture in the Croatia squad since EuroBasket 2005, was nine of 13 from the floor.
He hit two huge shots late in the game - a three-ball from the left corner with a minute remaining to cut the deficit to one, and a spinning drive in the lane with 20 seconds remaining when guarded by San Antonio's Tony Parker of France.
The second basket proved to be the game-winner.
Ukic got big minutes because Toronto's starting point guard, Jose Calderon of Spain, was sidelined by the sore right hamstring that has plagued him all season.
What makes the Raptors' victory even more surprising is that their Team USA star Chris Bosh also missed the game with a sprained right knee.
San Antonio guard Roger Mason said of Ukic: "For a rookie point guard, he took some big shots and made some big shots.
"It's like that sometimes when guys are injured and you don't look over your shoulder, you just go out and leave it out there.
“I think his confidence improved every shot he made and he hit the biggest shot of the game."
"I really like those situations when I have the ball at the top of the key and I just have to score," Ukic said of his game-winner.
"I feel pretty comfortable in that situation, much more than shooting the three.
"I really like live play and trying to make something happen."
Toronto improved to 21-34 with the victory.
Other results: Phoenix 92 Cleveland 109, Denver 82 Orlando 73, Memphis 87 Philadelphia 91, Washington 89 Charlotte 101, Atlanta 99 Detroit 95, Boston 89 New Orleans 77, Indiana 110 Milwaukee 122, Sacramento 82 Houston 94, LA Lakers 109 Utah 113, Oklahoma City 92 Portland 106, New York 124 LA Clippers 128.
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