While his all-star teammates Karl Anthony Towns and Jalen Branson combined 80 points on Wednesday night, the valuable Achiuwa from the Fill-in Starter was his best scorer as Nick in an overtime victory over the Hawks I enjoyed the game.
Achiuwa returns to a reduced role after being injured when Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby return after an All-Star break, but a 26-point performance in a season-high 42 minutes 12-for-16 shooting He again showed him versatility as Tom Thibodeau's team improved to 36-18 ahead of a seven-day rest.
“I'm playing my game and I trust my game. I'm in a good rhythm right now,” he said, past with anunoby, who has a sprained right foot and is a power forward who is on the sidelines. said Achiuwa, who started five games.
“Anything I'm ready to do and I can perform at the level I need to win the game. No matter how much I'm there, I just want to win a basketball game.
“I think that's the most important thing. Win the game. Anyone there will try to do whatever we can to help the team win.”
Achiuwa got up early Thursday morning to appear in preparation for his previous high school, Newark, St. Benedict, talking to students, and playing basketball between the grey bee varsity team and the New Jersey State Trooper team. Part of the Building Bridges Program, which rose to watch the game, is an initiative to build a bond of understanding and trust between the colour and law enforcement community.
“For the community and the kids, it's great that they can interact with all the different things there on a more personal level. Before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida, we'll be able to do so with second and third graders. Achiuwa, who spent time at the school, said, “I always felt that St. Benedict was a very precious place in my heart. I loved school and I loved the time there. Beautiful people. It's a beautiful place with you.”
Achiuwa's 25-year-old scoring total Wednesday night was shy to match Raptors and his career-high total of 27 in January 2023.
“It's just versatility,” Thibodeau said Wednesday when asked about the value of Achihua against the Knicks.
“Obviously, I think it's his ability to play 4 and 5 with short hands. I think that's a big plus. Offensive rebound, athleticism, switching ability. [positions]especially when Josh is there [Hart]OG and Mikal [Bridges] There too. ”
