Jamal Shead's career-high 16 assists help Raptors maul struggling Bucks

Toronto Raptors point guard Jamal Shead. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jamal Shead's career-high 16 assists help Raptors maul struggling Bucks

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 7, 2026 12:06 AM ET

The Toronto Raptors' comeback victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday (127-107) featured point guard Jamal Shead leading their offense as he recorded a career-high 16 assists.

There's nothing like coming out big in your first start of the season, and that's exactly what Shead accomplished in his memorable performance.

He played 34 minutes and had a double-double, adding 10 points to his 16-assist mastery. He also logged a game-high plus-minus of +23 with three rebounds, two steals and only had one turnover.

He also went 1-of-2 from the free-throw line, 4-of-10 from the field and 1-of-5 from three-point range. The Raptors' short-handed effort was noteworthy as they played without key players Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and Kawhi Leonard.

Jamal Shead just wins. https://t.co/DMiVIh3iIn
— Pensare Basketball (@PensareBBall) November 7, 2026

Jamal Shead helps anchor Raptors in comeback victory

Both Shead and Alijah Martin stepped up with their core members injured. Martin dished out a career-high 27 points, and Shead's 16-assist performance was a milestone achievement. Shead set the tone with his playmaking, which made him one of the standouts in the team's victory.

The Raptors' dominant performance contributed to a 70-47 second-half surge that nullified the Bucks' lead, which was as high as 15 points. Shead's chemistry on the court shined through in the team's comeback victory, helping to propel Toronto to an overall 5-4 record early this season.

While it was a team effort, Shead also helped fuel big performances from RJ Barrett, who matched Martin's 27 points, and Jakob Poeltl and Collin Murray-Boyles also put up 19 points apiece. The Bucks have now dropped to 1-8 to start the NBA season, adding to their early-season struggles.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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