Raptors 905 vs. Cleveland
CLEVELAND (Interstat) — In a high-octane G League shootout defined by a decisive third-quarter surge, the Cleveland Charge outgunned the Raptors 905 134-124 on Thursday night at Wolstein Center, sweeping a brief two-game home set between the teams.
The game turned dramatically in the third quarter. After a competitive first half that saw Raptors 905 take a 63-55 lead into the break behind efficient offense, the Charge erupted. Cleveland outscored the visitors 43-26 in the period, flipping an eight-point deficit into a nine-point lead. The Charge’s offense, particularly from beyond the arc, became unstoppable. Cleveland hit 22 of 44 three-point attempts in the game, with the long-range barrage reaching its peak during the third-quarter run that ultimately decided the contest.
Raptors 905, the NBA G League affiliate of the Toronto Raptors, fought consistently, scoring at least 26 points in every quarter and finishing with an offensive rating of 128.3 points per 100 possessions. However, they had no answer for Cleveland’s superior firepower, which posted a stellar offensive rating of 139.4. The Charge also dominated the glass, outrebounding Raptors 905 46-35, including a 14-8 advantage on the offensive boards.
A.J. Lawson led all scorers with 35 points for Raptors 905, adding seven rebounds and four assists. David Roddy contributed 28 points, six rebounds and five assists, while center Julian Reese of Baltimore recorded a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
The Charge, however, showcased a more balanced and prolific attack. Norchad Omier, the team’s top star, filled the stat sheet with 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Riley Minix scored a team-high 27 points and added six rebounds, while Tristan Enaruna added 22 points. The backcourt duo of Killian Hayes (17 points, eight assists) and Darius Brown (nine points, seven rebounds, 10 assists) expertly facilitated the offense, combining for 18 assists.
The most important part of the game was Cleveland’s transformative third quarter. After being outplayed in the first half, the Charge tightened defensively and unleashed a relentless offensive onslaught. This period shifted the momentum permanently in Cleveland’s favor, turning a close game into a controlled victory despite Raptors 905’s persistent scoring in the fourth quarter.
With the win, Cleveland improved its season record to 22-12. Raptors 905, which had won 10 of its last 11 games entering the contest, fell to 27-8. The teams had met just two days prior, with Cleveland securing a 126-122 victory.
The game was played in front of an announced crowd at the Wolstein Center. Interstat’s ELO system had given Cleveland a 56.2 percent probability to win prior to tip-off.
Raptors 905 continues its road trip with a pair of games at Windy City on Feb. 20 and 21. The Charge begins a six-game road swing at Noblesville on Feb. 19.