Dial 905: The Win Streak Continues, Sully Stops By, and more

The Raptors 905 ended January with a very impressive 10-2 record, closing the month on a 10-game win streak. They are also remain unbeaten on the road this season, extending their streak there to 11 games this season. Wild.

Here is a summary of what went down the past week.

Friday, Jan. 27 — vs. Westchester Knicks

Final Score: 111-99 for the 905, as the win streak hits eight.

E.J. Singler Does the Job

Singler got the start in this game and filled his role at the 2- or 3-spot to a T. In 27 minutes Singler had 11 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 block and 3 steals. He also shot 5-of-7 from the field, and 1-of-3 from three. Not bad for a player who’s been asked to do a little bit of everything for the Raptors 905 this year. And in a game when Axel Toupane wasn’t cooking, Singler provided a boost the team needed.

Will Sheehey Stays Consistent

Sheehey has been one of the more consistent players on the 905 roster. This game was no different. In 27 minutes Sheehey had 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists, while putting forward a strong defensive effort as per coach Jerry Stackhouse’s instruction. Unfortunately, at some point Sheehey tweaked his hamstring, the effects of which were felt next game.

Notes

• Brady Heslip was the ‘backup’ point guard to Delon Wright but played the bulk of the minutes at point guard and had 17 points, 1 assist, 1 rebounds in 26 minutes while shooting 5-of-11 from three.
• CJ Leslie provided some bench scoring as he had 14 points, 2 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in 19 minutes.
• Negus Webster-Chan and Goodluck Okonoboh were on the inactive list along with Jarrod Uthoff who was in the process of getting traded.
• Road streak now hits 15 straight road wins dating back to last season

Saturday, Jan. 28 — vs. Delaware 87ers

Final Score: 97-90 for the 905, as their win streak hits nine.

Jared Sullinger Makes D-League Debut

The biggest news of the game was that Jared Sullinger, who had officially accepted the idea, was assigned to the D-League. It wasn’t a demotion by any means but a way to get Sully comfortable with playing basketball again. Think of when a baseball player gets hurt and uses the minor leagues as a rehab assignment.

Sullinger did start the game off rusty with his shot, but he kept at it. In the end Sully recorded a monster double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while shooting 2-of-7 from three and 6-of-19 from the field overall.

Delon Wright Continues the Good Work

Wright looks comfortable playing and doesn’t seem nervous with his shoulder, as he has been attacking the basket with no problem. Owing to the style of his game, Wright has been hit in the shoulder a few times with no problem which is good news for Delon and the Raptors.

In this game Wright played 30 minutes, while adding 15 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks. It isn’t just the stat line though, Wright looked comfortable controlling the offense and his defense continues to be very impressive as he uses his long arms to disrupt shots and passes.

Notes

• Bruno Caboclo had a good game (with his cornrows!), as he finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and a block in 32 minutes.
• Axel Toupane returned to form in this one with 16 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds while shooting 6-of-10 from the field in 29 minutes.
• Goodluck Okonoboh and Will Sheehey were the two inactives as Sheehey was dealing with a hamstring injury.
• Christian Watford has yet to officially been activated by the 905.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 — vs. Canton Charge

Final Score: 93-86 for the 905 as win streak hits 10 and road winning streak hits 16.

Welcome to Tavares’ Block Party

Edy Tavares is a monster. He not only dominates the post on the offensive end but provides a valuable lesson to D-League players: do not float shots near Tavares as he will block them. After just the first quarter against Canton, Tavares had 4 blocks. He ended up recording, to no surprise, a double-double, as he finished with 11 points, 14 rebound and 7 blocks. Tavares have been a huge part of the 905’s success this year as his size has been well-leveraged by the team.

Brady Heslip, Sharpshooter

Without Wright or Fred VanVleet around, Heslip got the start in this one and boy did he come up big. To start the game Heslip went 2-of-2 from three to help the 905 to a 9-0 lead. As has been the case for most of the season, Heslip took over running the team’s offense and looked increasingly comfortable doing so. In the end Heslip’s stat line read: 35 minutes, 22 points, 6 assists while shooting 8-of-15 from the field and 5-of-11 from three.

Notes

• Christian Watford played his first game for the 905 but failed to register a point.
• Bruno Caboclo and Antwaine Wiggins came up big with secondary scoring for the 905. Caboclo had 16 points and Wiggins had 14 in the win.
• Negus Webster-Chan and Will Sheehey (hamstring) were on the inactive list along with Okonoboh getting a DNP-CD.