Originally posted December 18, 2017
In a game where both teams struggled to put the ball in the basket at times, the Raptors 905 relied on three point shooting by Malcolm Miller and steady point guard play from Lorenzo Brown to prevail over the Salt Lake City Starts 99-87.
Lorenzo Brown was back with the 905 and did an excellent job handling the point guard duties for the 905. Â Brown played all 12 minutes of the first quarter to help help established the 905's double digit lead and finished with 16 points and 14 assists (against only 3 turnovers). Â The other star of the game for the 905 was Miller and his 6-11 shooting from three point range. Â In a game where both teams struggled to score, Miller's three point shooting was a welcome sight.
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
To the hoop: Much to my surprise, Bruno Caboclo's first shot of the game was a drive to the basket rather than a three. Â I promise to stop writing about Caboclo's shot selection in the new year.
Limited minutes:Â After three straight games of double digit assists, Kaza Keane struggled somewhat coming of the bench behind Lorenzo Brown. Keane played only 12 minutes going 0-4 from the floor with three assists and two turnovers. It will be interesting to watch how Keane continues to his positive progression this season on those nights when Brown is in the lineup.
Curb your enthusiasm: With the Stars playing up to the standard of their 3-14 record, there was a noticeable lack of enthusiasm from their bench.  Even the coaching staff, other than the head coach, barely made it out their seat other than from a timeout.  A big dunk in the 4th quarter didn't even bring the players off the bench and the golf clap after a made three pointer was just sad.  Life can be a grind in the G-League.
Off the court
False advertising: For the first time I noticed the on-court adverting and... it's a mess.  I understand the need to develop revenue streams but having four different company logos on the court (BMO, Bell, Coors Light and PS4) is visually unappealing.  Sorry of reminds of a local hockey arena - not a good look
Bright lights: Miller's hot three point shooting earned hime the half-time interview - will have to check this out later as it seemed to go on longer than usual.
All in the family: Raptors 905 alumni Fred VanVleet was in the building to take in the action. Â In addition to sporting a slick black and silver Raptors jacket, VanVleet took some time to pose for some photos and sign some autographs. Â It was nice to see some kids go home happy with an unexpected souvenir. Â Well done VanVleet!
Not telling him I got a uniform for him back there if he needed it, still got it hanging somewhere back up there.Â
Coach Stackhouse on what he said to Fred VanVleet