(Orlando, FL) Matt Morgan’s career high 24 points led the Raptors 905 to a 122-100 victory over the Lakeland Magic Saturday to clinch first place in the G League standings.
The Raptor’s 8th straight win, and 10th win in 11 games, caps off a tremendous regular season with a record of 12-3.
Henry Ellenson had 23 points and 8 rebounds and Nik Stauskas added 19 points and 7 assists.
The Raptors’ big three of Stauskas, Ellenson and Alize Johnson led the charge out of the gate for the 905 to build an early 13 point lead. However, the Magic’s best defense in the G League shut down the raptors at the end of the first and at the start of the second quarter to help fuel a 22-6 run. The Magic were led by Antonio Campbell in the game with 17 points and Tahjere McCall with 16 points.
Matt Mooney and Stauskas were both clutch from the field to close the second quarter and stopped the Lakeland run. Mooney’s 15 points and 6 assists were more proof of how the guard has really stepped up his game for the team over the course of the season. The 905 took a 58-52 lead into halftime.
The Raptors caught fire from the field in the third quarter amassing a 23 point lead at one point. Morgan was lights out from beyond the arc and scored 11 points in the quarter. At times, it felt like the 905 couldn’t miss and they took a 89-73 lead into the final frame.
The Raptor’s lead was never threatened in the fourth thanks to more great play from Morgan. His 17 second half points left the guard with a big smile on his face at multiple points. The 905 defence also stepped up and limited the Magic to just 100 points.
Ellenson was very complimentary of Morgan’s performance postgame. “We all knew Matt could play and he stepped in beautifully. I think he’s done amazing. He’s shown he can run our offence at a high level. He also added that, “we need him for this whole playoff run.”
“We’re all really unselfish guys and when the time’s ready, we step up,” Morgan commented after the game. “ We’ve been talking about the next man up mentality all year. At the end of the day we just want to win and that’s what drives us.”
Patrick Mutombo also had high praise for his squad. “I think our players are really hard working people,” said the 905 coach. “They allowed us to coach them hard and I’m just happy we were able to come up with the win.”
Individual accolades for the season include Ellenson, who finished the season as the 5th highest scorer and Gary Payton II who was first in steals with almost 3 per game.
Canadians Justin Jackson (Toronto, ON) and Karim Mane (Montreal, QC) were both in the lineup for the Magic Saturday. Jackson, who has been playing well as of late, finished with 2 points and Mane with 2 points and 5 rebounds.
The playoff quarterfinals begin Monday. The Raptors’ opponent and game time have yet to be decided.
Written by Connor Lamont
