Sandro Mamukelashvili missed the Raptors’ game against Indiana due to a viral illness, but was cleared to play the second half against the Clippers, where he contributed off the bench. Two days later he sealed a 102‑100 victory over Boston with a clutch buzzer‑beater, demonstrating his immediate impact when healthy.
International Path to the NBA
Born in New York City and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia, Mamukelashvili grew up in a basketball family—his grandmother captained the Soviet women’s national team. After earning a scholarship at the University of Michigan, he went undrafted in 2021, secured a two‑way contract with Toronto, and earned a regular rotation spot by the 2023‑24 season, averaging 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game.
Illness Setback and Brief Absence
On the morning of March 27, team doctors diagnosed a viral infection that left Mamukelashvili feverish and fatigued. Raptors head athletic trainer Mark Kelley emphasized caution, noting that “we don’t want to push a sick player back onto the court too soon.” The Raptors relied on Pascal Siakam and rookie Gleb Milanov in his absence, ultimately falling 112‑107 to Indiana.
Comeback Highlights
Cleared for the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers, Mamukelashvili logged 12 minutes, adding 4 points, 2 rebounds, and a decisive defensive stop in the final moments of a 108‑104 win. His most dramatic return came on December 4, 2025, when he hit a buzzer‑beating mid‑range jumper to lift Toronto 102‑100 over the Boston Celtics.
Impact on Raptors’ Lineup
When on the floor, Mamukelashvili provides solid rebounding, rim protection, and a 38% shooting rate from beyond the elbow, stretching opposing bigs. His presence eases the load on star forward Pascal Siakam, allowing Toronto to maintain a balanced offensive attack. Head coach Darko Rajaković called him “a game‑changer when healthy.”
Bottom Line
Mamukelashvili’s brief illness highlighted the Raptors’ reliance on his versatility, but his swift return—and the buzzer‑beater that followed—reaffirmed his value. As Toronto pushes deeper into the season, his health and clutch performances will be key factors in the team’s success.
