Long Island Nets topple Raptors

The Long Island Nets (9-6), the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, defeated Raptors 905 (5-12), 118-116, on Feb. 5 at Nassau Coliseum. 

Long Island was led by Brooklyn two-way guard Keon Johnson with 19 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal in 25 minutes. Long Island guard Kyler Edwards added 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block in 29 minutes. Brooklyn two-way forward Jalen Wilson posted his third regular season double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds to go along with one assist and two steals in 36 minutes.

Long Island struggled to string baskets together in the opening quarter, while the 905 went on a 10-2 run in the first four minutes of the game. Raptors 905 closed the period ahead by two, 31-29. The Nets gained momentum in the second period, outscoring the 905 31-21 in the period while shooting 42.3 percent from the field. Long Island took the lead and went into halftime ahead by eight, 60-52.

The two teams traded shots in the third quarter but despite Long Island’s efforts, Raptors 905 outscored the Nets 28-25 in the period. Long Island kept its lead and closed the quarter ahead by five, 85-80. Raptors 905 worked hard to close the gap in the fourth quarter, but Long Island kept its foot on the gas. Long Island went on to defeat the 905 by two, 118-116.

Toronto two-way guard Javon Freeman-Liberty recorded 23 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block in 34 minutes. 905 guard Jaysean Paige posted 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block in 29 minutes.