In the G League, the Raptors 905 have been a defensive powerhouse, leading the league in defensive rating. Yet, their recent face-off against the Windy City Bulls challenged that reputation.
Despite conceding 135 points on Friday, the 905 edged out a win with 141 points. The rematch was even more electrifying, with both teams shooting lights out early on.
The Bulls burst out of the gates with impressive shooting, thanks in large part to Mac McClung. Known for his dunking prowess, McClung showed off his range, hitting three deep threes in the first quarter, including a step-back that drew a foul. Alongside Yuki Kawamura, McClung's speed and agility were pivotal in breaking down the 905's defense, helping the Bulls rack up 45 points in the opening frame.
The Raptors 905, on the other hand, relied on their perimeter shooting to stay competitive, sinking 7-of-10 from beyond the arc in the first quarter. Olivier Sarr and Lawson were key contributors, each hitting crucial threes.
In the second quarter, the 905 tightened up defensively, limiting the Bulls' quality looks and holding them to 28 points. Meanwhile, their shooters stayed hot. Alijah Martin and Lawson continued to connect from deep, bringing the 905 within striking distance.
The third quarter saw Martin take over, using his physicality to dominate smaller defenders like Kawamura and McClung. Martin's combination of inside scoring and three-point shooting gave him 11 points in the quarter, and the 905 maintained an impressive 15-of-23 shooting from three at one point.
Despite their offensive firepower, the 905's defense faltered, allowing the Bulls easy access to the paint. Kawamura dazzled with a no-look pass reminiscent of Nikola Jokic, showcasing his vision despite his smaller stature.
Late in the game, the 905's defense finally clicked, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. A hard foul by McClung on Martin added to the intensity, underscoring the fierce guard battle.
In a game defined by offensive fireworks, the 905 emerged victorious, 141-138, with Martin leading the charge. The back-to-back games saw the 905 score and concede their highest point totals of the season, with a combined score of 282-273.
Shooting an impressive 57.6 percent from three on Saturday, the 905 had standout performances from multiple players. Martin scored 26 points, Lawson added 25, and both Sarr and Key contributed over 20 points. Tyson Degenhart nearly joined them with 19 points, going a perfect 3-of-3 from deep.
McClung, the G League's leading scorer, put up 34 and 39 points in the two games, while former 905 player Mouhamadou Gueye added 26 on efficient shooting. The thrilling encounters showcased the offensive talent and competitive spirit of both teams, leaving fans eager for more.