Originally posted December 12, 2018
In their last home game before a two week stretch on the road, including the G League Showcase in Las Vegas, the Raptors 905 could not overcome an early deficit and had their seven game winning streak come to an end.
After quick start to the game, the 905 lost ground with the wheels coming off late in the second quarter. At the half, the 905 found themselves in a big hole trailing the Blue 76-58.
The 905 clawed back in the third, outscoring the Blue by eight in the frame. The 905 continued to chip away in the fourth, closing the gap to three points with just under two minutes to play. Alas, the 905 could not get over the hill and ultimately came out on the wrong end of the 133-126 final score.
The star of the game for the 905 was clearly Chris Boucher who scored a franchise record 47 points (16-28 FG) and was two rebounds (8) and a block (9) short of a triple double. Once again, Jordan Loyd was also a bright spot for the 905 scoring 32 points (11-18 FG, 6-7 3PT) to go along with 11 assists.
Following the Spurs in the 6 "3on3" format for NBA G-League game recaps this season, here's my take on what happened both "on the court" and "off the court".
On the Court
First half fire: In a high scoring first half, Blue guard Scottie Hopson went off for 20 points going a perfect 8-8 from the floor. Not to be outdone, Boucher put up 21 points on 8-13 shooting.
Big numbers: Boucher continues to light up the G League, scoring a 905 record 47 points!
In the paint: The 905 were out rebounded 37 to 29 and, at times, it seemed like the Blue were having a dunk parade. Coach Jama Mahlalela acknowledge as much after the game, noting that adjustments were made to the pick and role coverage at halftime.
Off the Court
First name basis: Early in the game you could over hear Blue's head coach Mark Daigneault talking to the referees using their first names. While this is certainly not earth shattering, it was interesting to hear the dialogue up close and to be reminded that we are all human at the end of the day.
Know your rules: When the shot clock was reset to 14 seconds early in the first quarter, Daigneault was up off the bench with 10 seconds Lauren (see above), 10 seconds. According to NBA G League rules, anytime the ball is advance following a rest or a team timeout, the shot clock remains the same (or resets to 14 seconds, which ever is lower).
Mistaken identity: During the second quarter, the 905 were charged with a delay of game violation. The referee reported the play to the scoring table as "delay of game on Toronto".
Continuing grow. I think he is always learning to play with trouble a little bit. Today he was taken out of his regular rotation because of his foul trouble early but he was able to come back and combat that. He's a talent. We have know that through the course of the season and he showed that today with his points but for me it's his growth in terms of finding ways to win games and he made some really key decisions down the stretch.
Coach Jama Mahlalea on playing without Tw0-Way Players Chris Boucher's performance and where he is as player