A dominant performance from start-to-finish gave the Raptors 905 a monstrous 130-93 win over the Windy City Bulls on Tuesday night in Mississauga.
The win moves the 905 to 10-3, and extends their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference. They are now an impressive 8-1 on home floor this season.
The Raptors were the favourites coming in, and they played exactly like it through quick starts from Reggie Perry and David Johnson. They were red hot from deep early (and it continued throughout the game), giving them a 34-25 lead after the first. The second was much of the same, but it was the second half where the 905 left their mark. The Raptors outscored the Bulls 35-14 in the third, with the Bulls having absolutely no answer for the 905 on the glass. Finishing with 38 assists, the Raptors were able to share the ball and find excellent looks on both the fast break and in the half-court. From there it was just about running the clock out as the 905 were able to cruise to the blowout home victory.
“It was a really good performance”, said January’s G League Head Coach of the Month Patrick Mutombo. “The guys were serious and professional; everyone got to play. Our team needed that.”
There was plenty of offence to go around in this one, but Perry was the game-leader with a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double. Johnson finished with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Breein Tyree had 17 off the bench with 6 assists, while Jodie Meeks shot 6/7 for 15. Ryerson Rams alum Aaron Best had 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in the win.
Daniel Oturu was the main man offensively for the Bulls in the loss, scoring 19 points and adding 10 rebounds for the double-double. Kerwin Roach had 16 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, while Scottie Lindsey had 13 points and 4 boards off the bench.
The 905 were in control in every facet of the game on Tuesday, outrebounding the Bulls 56-41, out-assisting them 38-20 and shooting nearly 20 percentage points higher. It’s safe to say it was the best performance of the season.
“You could feel the energy in the locker room”, said 905 forward Perry post-game. “Everybody’s feeling good, but we’re not satisfied. We want to get another streak going.”
The win comes on the heels of the 905’s first home loss of the season the night prior; showing great resilience to bounce back on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Bulls will have their chance for revenge when the two teams meet again on Thursday for the last game of the 905’s seven game homestand.
GAME STATS:
Raptors 905:
Perry – 21 PTS 15 REB 5 AST
Johnson – 18 PTS 4 REB 3 AST
Tyree – 17 PTS 3 REB 6 AST
Windy City Bulls:
Oturu – 19 PTS 10 REB 1 AST
Roach – 16 PTS 4 REB 5 AST
Lindsey – 13 PTS 4 REB 3 AST
