Final Score: 109 to 94
905 Leading Scorer: Dewan Hernandez with 24 points
905 Starters: Tyler Ennis, Shamorie Ponds, Oshae Brissett, Devin Robinson and Dewan Hernandez.
905 2-Ways: Oshae Rissett & Shamorie Ponds
905 Assignees: Dewan Hernandez
The Raptors 905 kicked off the new NBA G League season at home with a 109-94 loss to the Grand Rapids Drive.
I'm admittedly a little slow on the uptake in terms of how the 905 roster has come together this year. While I get my bearings, which will likely take a couple of games (and thanks for your patience) here are some (somewhat) random observations from game number one.
Tale of two halves, sort of: Second round draft pick Dewan Hernandez made the most of his time on the court, at least in the first half. Hernandez had 14 points (5-8 shooting) and 7 boards in the first half. He went scoreless in the third quarter only to put up 10 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and two blocks. "Very impressed with his first start to professional basketball and that's really awesome", said Coach Jama Mahlalela after the game. It will be interesting to see how he can play his way into some time with the big league club before the end of the year.
Oh (no) Canada: The Canadian trio of Oshae Brissett, Tyler Ennis and Duance Notice struggled from the floor in the first half going a collective 8 for 23. The shooting didn't get much better in the second as three Canuks finished a combined 9 for 32. That said, Ennis (15 points) and Brissett (14 points) where the second and third leading scorers on the team.
One to watch?: Devin Robinson had some explosive moments during the first half of game. He shot an efficient 4-6 in the first half yet had a -19 rating. Robinson struggled noticeably a little more in the second half, going 1-4 and finishing with a team worst -27. Robinson is a former two-way player, with a crazy wing-span and some recent history off the court. It will be interesting to see how he fits in with the 905 this year.
One shot, two points: The new 2 points for one free-throw is going to take some getting used to. "They're going to adjust to it", said Coach Mahlalela after the game, "it felt a little awkward today, as any new rule will, but still I think it's a really positive rule".
We did fight and claw and I give our guys credit for that... the G League is about professional basketball, you get another game the next day and that's the message for these players.
- Coach Jama Mahlalela putting the first game of the season in perspective