Robert Carter Jr. (206 cm, F) has had a career-high since joining the KBL.
The Anyang Jungkwanjang lost 77-90 to Suwon KT in the regular season finale of the 2023-2024 Jungkwanjang Pro Basketball League on Nov. 11 at Anyang Indoor Gymnasium.
The loss was their sixth straight and dropped them to 13-27 on the season, good for eighth place.
The team had mixed performances in the first and second quarters, missing KT’s Paris Bass (207 cm, F) and Han Hee-won (195 cm, F) in the first and second quarters, which led to easy baskets. The team was also outrebounded 26-39, struggling with 토토사이트 KT’s height, and committed nine turnovers, which disrupted the flow.
After KT faltered in the third quarter, Chung Kwan-jang pulled away with baskets from Carter and Jung Jun-won (193 cm, F) to make it 65-70 at one point in the fourth quarter. However, they fell victim to KT Bath’s one-man show and were unable to end their losing streak at home.
Carter’s performance during the losing streak was reminiscent of his early days with the organization.
On the night, Carter set a new career-high with 33 points and five rebounds in 31 minutes and 19 seconds of play. The previous record was 32 points against Goyang Sono on March 17.
Carter had struggled in the previous game against Seoul SK, scoring just 10 points and grabbing two rebounds. Head coach Kim Sang-sik started Jamil Wilson (201 cm, F) in place of Carter to keep him healthy.
Carter came off the bench after the midway point of the first quarter and started scoring with a variety of skills, including midrange and floaters. He played his role in the offense with his heavy yet fluid movements.
After scoring nine points in the first quarter alone, Carter went toe-to-toe with Bass in every quarter in a battle of egos. Spurred on by Bass’ scoring, Carter capitalized on her opportunities in the post. Her presence in the paint was evident as she scored 14 points in the paint.
However, Carter had three turnovers in the game. He had a couple ups and downs, including a steal off the dribble to Bass with 1:18 left in the first quarter that led to a fast break, and a steal by KT Moon Sung-gon (193 cm, F) just before the end of the first quarter that cost him a scoring opportunity.
As such, Carter has adjusted to the KBL with a career-high in points, but the team’s losing streak hasn’t yet revealed the full extent of his abilities. Carter’s explosive scoring has been highlighted as a strength, but his weakness is in his defense, where he misses opposing big men and gives up points.
Head coach Kim Sang-sik said of Carter’s performance, “It was an opportunity for him to catch up. I would like both players to do well, but it’s unfortunate that only one of them broke out.”
It remains to be seen if Carter will use this game to recognize his role and help the team end its losing streak.