Final Score | Raptors 905 128 – Maine Celtics 92 | Box Score
Two Ways: David Johnson (905)
On Assignment: Isaac Bonga (905)
Suffocating defence, supreme guard play and FANS for the first time this year spurred the Raptors 905 to their third straight win, as they pounded the Maine Celtics by 36. Aaron Best helped Team Canada win both of its games over the weekend, landed in Toronto at midnight on Tuesday, then scored a career-high 24 points, added a steal, drew an offensive foul, and generally disrupted Maine’s offence. Backup point guard Ashton Hagans used his vast array of Euro-steps to create 18 points of his own. The 905’s primary NBA talent provided the secondary punch – two-way guard David Johnson scored 12 points on 4-for-6 from three point range, while Isaac Bonga scored nine points on 3-for-5 from the field, adding a game-high 11 rebounds.
“I think (what Aaron Best brings) is innate,” 905 Head Coach Patrick Mutombo raved. “He brings a lot to our team, just who he is. I know Coach Nurse loves him. (Raptors Assistant) Coach Nate Bjorkgren loves him, just for what he brings to Team Canada, and now with us too. A play-hard guy, has a lot of integrity, on and off the court.”
The NBA-related aside:
David Johnson has one of the team’s two coveted two-way spots, but he’s only played two NBA minutes thus far. Injuries and a stint on the COVID list have conspired to prevent the consistent run Johnson needs to develop, but his last three games have been promising. Last week, he hit the game-winning buzzer beater against the Greensboro Swarm, followed that with a career-high 27 point outing, and followed that with Tuesday’s efficient 12-point effort. Outside of Johnsons’ scoring, Coach Mutombo is also pleased with Johnson’s screen setting, cutting and defensive effort.
“He’s a very cerebral guy,” Mutombo said. “He’s highly intelligent and sees the play. He’ll bring suggestions to me at times. Things that are very relevant and valid. I think he understands, he’s been with the program from Summer League, from mini camps, and that’s why the organization is so high on him.”
The Raptors 905 host the College Park Skyhawks tonight. Fans are allowed so come out!
