Originally posted December 13, 2017
Overcoming Bruno Caboclo's early foul trouble (he only played 7 minutes in the first half) and 20 turnovers (which turned into 31 points for visitors), the Raptors 905 persevered to pick up a much need win over the Texas Legends.
Caboclo led the 905 in scoring with 24 points in 27 minutes. Kaza Keane had perhaps his best game of the season dropping 15 dimes after scoring all 13 of his points in the first half.
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
Bombs away: It seems like Caboclo launches a three for the 905's first shot of the game every time I am in the building (today it went in)... I would really prefer something going to the basket to start things off.
Hold me: Turnovers killed the 905 tonight, leading to 31 points for the Legends. The Legends only shot 40% from the field and it was the 905's turnovers, along with the 18-23 vs. 10-13 advantage disparity from the strip, that allowed the Legends to hold the lead for the majority of the game. The 905 need to start taking care of the ball if they are going to show any progress this season.
Stocking stuffer: Keane finished one rebound short of a triple double. If Santa leaves 13 points, 15 assists and 9 rebounds in my stocking, I will be a very happy kid this Christmas!
Off the court
Dressed to impress: As usual, Coach Stackhouse was rocking another sweet suit. This time it was a grey winter one with a slight check.vVery classy!
Work it: A hump day game with frigid temperatures outside made for a small crowd to start the game. Give Stripes, the Raptors 905 mascot, credit for working the crowed early on to keep things lively. In particular, he was a big hit with the kids in attendance and it was particularly amusing to watch him play hard to get for a group of girls from a youth team who where trying to get his attention.
Spot the differences: There was a new contest during one of the first half timeouts (or at least new for me), where a fan had to spot four differences between two different photos on the scoreboard. The contest was hard! It was not easy to spot the differences and the time limit combined with the number of difference answers made it hard for the crowd to help out. Although the fan only spotted 3 of the differences, she still went home with a Raptors 950 prize pack.
He's all over the place for us, it's just credit to him, just coming in, trying to get better, trying to lean what we are trying to do.
Coach Stackhouse on the play of Kaza Keane