TORONTO– When Raptors 905 forward Justin Anderson missed his third and final free throw attempt at the end of the game, he immediately fell to the floor.
Down three points to the Long Island Nets, Anderson had drawn a foul on a game-tying, potential buzzer-beating three-point shot. By making only two of the three free throws, the Raptors 905 would lose by one point 112-111 to the Nets. For Anderson, having the ball in his hands to send to overtime is an opportunity that he relishes in any game.
“That’s gonna hurt,” said Anderson after the game. “I felt like every shot felt the same but for whatever reason that one went left. I’ll battle myself every time with that. But we have a quick turnaround so we gotta get ready for the next game.”
Despite the heartbreaking conclusion, the Raptors 905 have a lot to be proud of. Anderson was the 905’s leading scorer, putting up 40 points, six rebounds on 56.5 shooting percentage.
What cannot be understated and ignored is the Raptors 905’s winning mentality and culture. This was evidenced in Thursday morning’s game at Scotiabank Arena, where the 905 overcame two double-digit deficits in the fourth quarter.
While the team did not come away with the victory, the mental fortitude is ever apparent.
“Jama has been huge for me,” said Anderson. “He’s the most positive guy. He just allows you to go out there and play your game, play for your teammates, play for each other. It just speaks so much about the organization, how much the guys care, whether it is the G League or up top. I am glad I have the opportunity to play here in Toronto.”
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Early morning games have been notorious for underperformance and inconsistent play. But if there is one coach with a fervent ability to get his players motivated for any game, it is the Raptors 905’s Jama Mahlalela.
In their 3-6 start, injuries have been a recurring theme for the Raptors 905. So much so that the team was granted a hardship exception, signing Mike Parks Jr. in the process. Despite the thin roster, Mahlalela is still able to employ a fast-paced system with the players he has on the floor. Whether it is a commitment to shoot the three or stretching the floor on the transition, the injury-plagued Raptors 905 roster is buying into Mahlalela’s strategy. While it has only translated to three victories on the season, the games are hard-fought, with team members embracing their chance to progress their development on a depleted roster.
“Whoever is on the team and whoever’s wearing the jersey you’re on the 905, for that day, in that game, at that moment,” said Mahlalela. “We talk a lot about Win the Moment, that’s one of the themes of my season. When the ball goes up you gotta be ready to play. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is.”
More integral to the Raptors 905 success is the culture of belief and motivation. Starting at the top with Raptors President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri all the way to the 905, it is evident that the organization is molded on a winning mentality. The 905 team has the trust in each other to overcome any challenge or adversity that is thrown their way, exemplifying a resilient mantra.
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The 905’s tenacious identity has permeated throughout the roster, including Justin Anderson. Originally drafted to the Dallas Mavericks, Anderson arrived at the 905 after the Washington Wizards put him on waivers. He would also make brief stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks, defined by his injury recovery to tibial stress syndrome.
But Anderson always maintained a “stay ready” mentality. When the 905 gave him a chance, the 6-6 power forward has welcomed the opportunity to instill energy and vigor into the lineup. When the 905 were down 18 points to the Nets, it was Anderson who anchored the comeback, making six threes from beyond the arc and forcing turnovers. His effort was crucial in the 905 generating 20 fast break points and the overwhelming belief that despite a slow start, they could still win the basketball game.
“Those plays just show everyone who he is,” said Oshae Brissett. “He’s a great player, who knows where he needs to be and where he needs to get to.”
The Raptors 905 playing at Scotiabank Arena not only provided enthusiastic school children a chance to see professional basketball but also a moment to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela. In partnership with Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa Foundation, intersecting Mandela’s humanitarian qualities with basketball is a facet of the Raptors’ commitment to growing the game throughout the African continent.
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Ujiri has been steadfast in his work to elevate the status of African-born basketball talent, from Raptors 905 alumnus Pascal Siakam to current head coach Jama Mahlalela. Mahlalela has used Mandela as a powerful symbol of unity and perseverance that his 905 players can latch onto for inspiration in their careers.
“We showed our players some film yesterday and the speech that he gave and I think for them to be able to play in this environment and to realize we’re playing in his honour and what he’s done for the world is really incredible,” said Mahlalela. “We’re trying to build in some sense of the identity of who that man was.”
With two games in three nights upcoming, including a rematch with the Long Island Nets, the Raptors 905 need to adjust their game quickly to get back in the win column. Their perimeter defense is in need of improvement, evidenced by the Nets generating 18 three-pointers against the 905.
The season is still young for the Raptors 905. But one thing is certain, this team will not give into adverse situations. No matter the deficit within a game or on the roster, the Raptors 905 exhibit the strength of character that can propel this team to future success.
