January 24, 2025
The Montreal Nets secure a win in their first game versus Toronto 905, winning 131-122
The first of six NBA G League games that are scheduled to take place at Laval’s Place Bell took place today, as the Montreal Nets, as they will be called for six matches this season, defeated the Toronto Raptors 905 at Laval’s Place Bell.
So far, Montreal is proving itself to be a basketball city, drawing an impressive 7750 fans for the first tip-off, which is well above average attendance for any team in the NBA G league, by the way, and ticket sales are already looking like the second game will eclipse those numbers again for Sunday’s matinee game.
See Also: NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets to play games at Place Bell
Whether you want to call them the Long Island Nets, the Montreal Nets or Les Nets – they and the Toronto Raptors 905 put on a scoring clinic in front of the near capacity house Friday night.
Nets guard Killian Hayes put on an impressive display all game long, putting up a double-double with 26 points and a career-high 18 assists as well as four steals and a block, as the cheering crowd seemed to motivate Hayes and push him to greatness. Hayes was a 7th overall draft pick of the Detroit Pistons who is having to prove that he still belongs at the NBA level, and showings like the one he put up tonight are only going to help that argument, as Hayes was by and large the most dominant player on the court tonight.
Another Net looking for a chance at the big show, Drew Timme, also had an impressive outing, also putting up a double-double to get alongside his 25 points and 13 rebounds, seven assists and a steal. Timme looked strong in the defensive portion of the game too, helping to keep the Raptors 905 potent offense to a minimum.
Guard Tyson Etienne posted a game-high 29 points in addition to three rebounds, four assists and two steals as the Nets let loose on the Raptors 905.
Toronto had a stellar performance from former NBA center Frank Kaminsky, who put up 26 points, four rebounds, six assists and a block for his squad. Most eyes at Place Bell, however, were focused on Toronto Raptors prospect, and 31st overall pick Jonathan Mogbo, who scored 19 points on the night, to go with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
While the Nets ultimately edged out the scoring, for much of the game, the action was a back and fourth affair with both teams showing off solid offensive skills. The first quarter had a slight Nets edge, while the Raptors 905 were the stronger side in the second quarter. The Nets held a slender two point lead at half-time but came out the hungrier side to start the second half as the Nets began to squeak out a small lead.
For much of the third and fourth quarter, the Nets stayed ahead of the Raptors 905 by an average of nine points, and relied on Timme to shut down the 905 attack. Montreal wound up earning a well deserved victory by a score of 131-122.
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The crowd at times seemed torn over which squad they should be cheering for – the Toronto Raptors affiliate or the newly dubbed Montreal Nets. While the Raptors represent the only Canadian side in the NBA (We miss you, Vancouver Grizzles) most Montrealer’s have a hard time cheering for any team associated with their dreaded rivals in Toronto. Picking between Hayes and Mogbo also wasn’t an easy choice. Slowly, the cheers began to sway more towards the Nets – perhaps based on the numbers up on the scoreboard.
Les Nets and Raptors 905 will be back on the hardwood Sunday at 3pm at Place Bell in Laval.
