Originally posted November 21, 2018
With the temperature dropping outside, the cold air seemed to follow the Raptors 905 inside the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, at least to start the game.
With two-Way Contract players Chris Boucher and Jordan Loyd with the injury plagued Toronto Raptors, the 905 struggled to find offence from other sources shooting an abysmal 3-21 to start the game following behind 32-9 after one quarter.
The momentum changed half way through the second quarter for the 905 as Duane Notice (16 points, 6-7 from the field and 3-3 from deep) and Kay Felder (17 points) heated up for the 905, who outscored the Bulls 39-20 in the quarter. At the half, the 905 were only down 4 trailing the Bulls 52-48.
At moments during the third quarter it looked like the 905 might get over the hump but ultimately lost ground falling behind by 76-66 at the end of the quarter. Notice continued his strong play leading the 905 with 23 points. On the other end of spectrum, Felder went scoreless in the quarter.
Some spotted play by the 905 during the fourth quarter closed the gap to 3 points on multiple occasions, including with 1:09 to play. Alas, the 905 couldn't complete the comeback and came up on the wrong end of the 99-91 final score. Felder finished as the leading scorer for the 905, albeit on 12-32 shooting (including 3-16 from three). Notice went scoreless in the fourth and finished with 23 points going 8-15 from the field.
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
A little help from my friends: With the national anthem singer struggling with the Star Spangled Banner, the crowd stepped in to help her out.
Stand up: Prior to tip-off the fans are encouraged to standup until the 905 score their first basket. I'm not sure how I feel about trying to force this in an arena that is about a quarter full - perhaps best to left to OKC.
A long time ago: The promotion for Raptors 905 Star Wars Game has started and it looks like a great day for the kids (and adults too!). There will be Star Wars themed programming throughout the game, including "character appearances" (who will Stripes be dressed up as?). As an added bonus, the first 2,500 fans will receive an R2-D2 toque.
Off the Court
A little help from my friends: With the national anthem singer struggling with the Star Spangled Banner, the crowd stepped in to help her out.
Stand up: Prior to tip-off the fans are encouraged to standup until the 905 score their first basket. I'm not sure how I feel about trying to force this in an arena that is about a quarter full - perhaps best to left to OKC.
A long time ago: The promotion for Raptors 905 Star Wars Game has started and it looks like a great day for the kids (and adults too!). There will be Star Wars themed programming throughout the game, including "character appearances" (who will Stripes be dressed up as?). As an added bonus, the first 2,500 fans will receive an R2-D2 toque.
The group we have right now needs to continue to play great basketball which for us is about ball movement. It's about finding the extra pass, good to great passes that create good to great shots.
Coach Jama Mahlalea on playing without Tw0-Way Players Chris Boucher and Jordan Loyd
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