Spring has sprung and so have the NBA G League Playoffs!
Recap
The 905 enter the playoffs looking to make the finals for a third year in a row.
After the first quarter, the 905 found themselves in a 25-12 hole. Malcom Miller was the lone bright spot for the 905 in the first half, scoring 8 points on 3 shots (2-3 from the field, 2-2 from deep). Chris Boucher and Jordan Loyd struggled out the gate with no points between them on 0-6 and 0-3 shooting respectively.
True to form, the 905 picked up the pace in the second quarter behind 11 points from Wade Baldwin IV and another 5 points from Malcom Miller. Loyd started to roll as well with 6 points and 3 assists. Boucher played the entire quarter and only had 2 points on two shots. At the half, it was a two point lead for the Drive, 43-41.
The third quarter was either a defensive battle or a bit of a snooze fest, depending on your perspective. It was almost like there was a collective loss of focus with a long range Boucher 2, off of almost no movement or action, being symbolic of the play. The unsung hero of the quarter might be MiKyle McIntosh and his two three pointers that lifted the 905 when they were in a draught offensively. While it wasn't pretty, the 905 outscored the Drive 22-17 in the quarter to take a 63-60 lead into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the Raptors build their lead late in the fourth but were not able to hold on as quarter finished with the score tied at 85-85. With the limited 2 minute overtime format, Boucher got the 905 off to a quick start before Grand Rapids answer with a three. Baldwin IV missed a pull up jumper from the free throw line which was followed by a missed shot by the Drive. The 905 pushed the ball back on the break which resulted in a driving Boucher layup. The 905 led by one with 41 seconds to go and Drive timeout. Out of the timeout the Drive hit a difficult floated sending the 905 into timeout with 22 seconds to play and facing a one point deficit. Baldwin IV missed a driving layup but Jordan Loyd was there with the put back - one point lead for the 905 with 11 seconds to go. The Drive missed an open three as the 905 collapsed on the drive to the basket and Boucher secured the rebound. The 905 advance the ball and managed to inbound the ball and run out the clock. 905 win, 91-90!
Boucher finished with a triple double - 12 points, 12 rebounds and a monster 10 blocks! Loyd came through when it counted and finished with 18 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. Baldwin (18), Miller (17) and McIntosh (12 off the bench) were also in double digits for the 905.
Post Game Quotes
He's a special player and I have been saying that for a long time.
Raptors 905 Coach Jama Mahlalea on Jordan Loyd
Guys we're all right, we're ok. A lot of basketball game left, sunny days are still ahead of us - and we slowly just climb our way back. I'm really proud of our guys it could have been a situation where it's over but they railed back they just keep hitting singles - hit a single, hit a single, hit a single - and before you know it we're back in the basketball game.
Raptors 905 Coach Jama Mahlalea on wha the said to team as they feel behind in the first quarter
Notes
Small but noisy - it was a a Tuesday night so a crow of 1,295 was not unexpected. That said, the crowd represented well and got behind the home team.
Two transition fouls (one technical free throw and the ball), one for each team, seemed to confuse the crowd. Not sure why.
With the 8pm tipoff time, it is passed by bedtime as I write this. Thank goodness G League overtime is only two minutes!
Next Game
Raptors 905 @ Long Island Nets
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Friday, March 29, 2019 @ 7:00 pm ET
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