The Toronto Raptors had a breezy night on Saturday, dismantling the Atlanta Hawks by the stunning final score of 128-84 to send the visiting team to its ninth loss over a ten-game span. While the game was not competitive in any real way, there was a moment of bliss for even the most casual of viewers, as Raptors rookie center Jakob Poeltl put on a show with a thunderous dunk in the closing seconds of the blowout.
Poeltl, who was drafted in the lottery out of Utah, played only four minutes against the Hawks and contributed only two points, but his lone basket was wildly impressive. The 7-footer from Austria took a pass on the right wing, avoided a swipe attempt from fellow rookie DeAndre Bembry and promptly posterized swingman Tim Hardaway Jr. for what is easily the best highlight of his (very) young career.
At this point, Jakob Poeltl is still mostly known for his college career with the Utes and his draft position rather than what he has accomplished at the NBA level. However, this type of athletic explosion makes him a tantalizing prospect and Tim Hardaway Jr. can now directly vouch for what the rookie big man can do in transition.
