Photo by MattAzevedo.com
Raptors 905 (37-11) def. Erie Bayhawks (13-34); 85-67 | Box Score
Assignees: Bruno Caboclo (905).
Edy Tavares made his impact felt on both ends as he collected a rare 15 points-11 rebound-12 block triple double in the Raptors 905’s 85-67 victory over the Erie Bayhawks. The D-League record for blocked shots is 14, while the 67 ties a franchise-low for Erie.
Both offences were flat tonight, as they combined to shoot under 40% for the game.
The 905’s league-leading 37th victory of the season came at a cost, though, as Will Sheehey took a hard fall on a drive in the third quarter and landed on what looked like his right wrist. I don’t want to get into too much detail, nor speculate, but his arm did not look good and it was quickly wrapped by the staff before he was assisted off the court. The latest from the colour commentators was that he was taken to a local hospital. There’s a post here with more details on what this means for the team.
Antwaine Wiggins stepped in for Sheehey and filled in perfectly with 20 points and nine rebounds.
The team seemed inspired to get the win for Sheehey after his injury, as they immediately went on an 18-6 run for a 54-40 lead to take control of the contest. E.J. Singler scored eight of those points on four trips to the free-throw line, one regular jumper, and one while he was being tackled to the ground:
The injury tested the 905’s depth, as CJ Leslie and Axel Toupane were already resting on the second night of a back-to-back, and Bruno Caboclo was sitting out with a shoulder injury.
With Christian Watford earning his first start of the season, the 905 ran the pet play they usually start with for Bruno Caboclo, and he obliged by knocking down a left-corner three. Watford made a very good impression, scoring nine points and collecting 10 rebounds. Granted, there were plenty rebounds on offer on an ugly offensive night for both teams.
If the Bayhawks weren’t prepared for Tavares’ monster block night, they can’t say it didn’t come without fair warning. First, he rejected a Reggis Onwukamuche dunk attempt with force, and then sent back last night’s leading scorer T.J. Price’s layup attempt as if he were swatting away a fly. He was feeling so good he even knocked down a 22-footer from the top of the key.
Who said @waltertavares22 doesn’t have range.#RT6 pic.twitter.com/1obkAaXRD8
— Raptors 905 (@Raptors905) March 25, 2017
It was a largely uneventful quarter outside of those plays, as the two teams combined to shoot 12-for-39 (30.8%) for the first quarter. It didn’t get much better in the second, with the teams going 15-for-41. Brady Heslip was a bit of a saving grace towards the end, making back-to-back triples in the final minute to give the 905 a 36-32 halftime lead.
Boy can catch fire quick. Need more of that in the 2nd half.#RT6 pic.twitter.com/J8H7vsGppD
— Raptors 905 (@Raptors905) March 26, 2017
Notes:
- With the 905 now off till Thursday and back at home, I expect Pascal Siakam to be back with the team now that Serge Ibaka’s suspension is over.
- The Bayhawks wore some really weird watermelon-looking jerseys today that clearly did not make a difference.
- The 905 will be back in action on March. 30, when they will take on the Windy City Bulls at the Hershey Centre. Tip-off is at 7:30pm EST.
