Raptors 905 G League roundup: Best performances vs. Westchester Knicks

Much like the Toronto Raptors, G League squad Raptors 905 have seen individually brilliant performances overshadowed by what the kids are calling a “mid” record. Raptors 905 sits at 9-8 despite constantly getting pumped full of NBA-level reinforcements.

905 split a series against the Westchester Knicks, who it may not surprise you to learn are the G League affiliate of the New York Knicks. Raptors 905 won 124-123 on Sunday before falling in defeat by a 113-104 scoreline the following day.

From a macro perspective, the wins and losses incurred by this team are immaterial. What matters most is making sure that the developmental prospects currently gestating in Mississauga take all the steps forward they need to in order to become reliable NBA players.

While it hasn’t always been pretty, 905’s latest showings have been buoyed by players who all have pro potential. With this organization prioritizing internal development as much or more than any other in the NBA, these games are extremely important.

Raptors 905 roundup: Christian Koloko steps up.

Both two-way contract players in Jeff Dowtin and Ron Harper Jr. performed well against Westchester. Dowtin recorded 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the Sunday victory while putting up 14 points and nine assists in the Monday loss. Harper led the team with 23 points on 8-15 shooting on Sunday.

Koloko may not be consistent enough to earn NBA minutes in his rookie season, but he is far too talented for this level of competition. Koloko recorded 18 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks on Monday. He is averaging 13.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and an insane 3.8 blocks per game in Mississauga.

Gabe Brown, who originally signed with Toronto on an Exhibit 10 deal, scored 38 points in his two games against Westchester, making nine 3-pointers in that span. The Raptors thought highly enough of Brown to give him this unique contract in the offseason, and he’s been impressing in the G League.

The Raptors need to keep an eye on what is going on down in Mississauga, as they could find the club’s next big injury replacement in their ranks. Even if the record appears to be middling, some of the strong individual performances should make the franchise much more hopeful.