Marshall lights up former team to the tune of 22 points

TORONTO — The Jazz were done in Wednesday by one who was once among their own.

Ex-Jazz forward Donyell Marshall had a team-high 22 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range, and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line as Toronto beat Utah 98-86 at Air Canada Centre.

Marshall played starter's minutes (32) but came off the bench, something he has done all season for the Raptors.

"I think I've shown I can be effective at both starting and coming off the bench," Marshall said. "The only thing is, probably, when you're coming off the bench when you're older it's a little harder than when you're younger.

"But I think I've shown I can do it. I think I showed it in Utah. I showed it in Chicago. I'm showing it again here."

He may be showing it somewhere else soon, too.

Marshall has been the subject of constant trade rumors lately, the most recent ones having him headed to perhaps Miami, where he would play with Shaquille O'Neal, or New Jersey.

"They're the main ones that are coming right now," he said.

The reason?

"Being in the last year of my deal, I know teams (have interest)," Marshall said. "Especially teams with centers, that are trying to get somebody to help open the floor for them, or teams that need rebounding to make the playoffs and make it deep.

"I don't know if it will happen, or whatever. I just know it's out there," he said. "It's going to be out there until the (Feb. 24) trade deadline."

ROSE BENCHED: Also the subject of constant Toronto trade rumors, especially now that All-Star Vince Carter has been dealt to New Jersey, is Jalen Rose. Those kicked up a notch Wednesday, when he was demoted to the Raptors' bench — huge news in Toronto.

"It's not the first time in my career that I felt like I was in a situation where I feel like I was treated unfairly," Rose said after scoring 12 points against the Jazz. "But, at the same time, I'm going to be a pro."

Rose then ripped into Toronto's decision.

"I feel, at this point in my career, I'm a starter in this league," he said. "Being a student of the game and a fan of the game, I watch a lot of rosters every night — and I know I'm still a starter in this league."