Raptors 905 defeated the Windy City Bulls 141-135 on Friday in a thrilling, offense-driven contest at NOW Arena, highlighting the Raptors 905 Friday victory as a key moment this season. The game featured standout performances, including 34 points from Windy City guard Mac McClung and key scoring contributions from Raptors’ A.J. Lawson, helping Toronto’s affiliate improve its record to 11-6 against Eastern Conference rivals.
Early Dominance and Inside Scoring Battle
The Windy City Bulls leveraged their size advantage early, dominating the paint and converting nearly all of their first-quarter attempts inside the arc. Despite a hot start from Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo, who shot perfectly to keep his team within reach, the Bulls maintained control through efficient, high-percentage shots close to the basket. Windy City finished with an impressive 66 points scored in the paint, showcasing their early offensive strategy.
Defensive Efforts and Board Battle Shape the Contest
Although the Bulls displayed strong interior scoring, Raptors 905 outperformed them on the glass by securing four additional rebounds. Defensively, both teams were active, contributing to double-digit steals and blocks: the Bulls amassed 10 steals and 11 blocks, while the Raptors tallied 10 steals and eight blocks. Windy City’s offense also relied heavily on their perimeter shooting, sinking 15 of 28 shots from beyond the arc, a significant figure compared to their usual shooting percentages and league rankings.
Key Player Returns and Impact Performances
Windy City forward Leonard Miller made his G League return for the first time since early 2025 following his involvement in the trade that sent guard Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls to Minnesota Timberwolves. Miller started alongside key teammates, including two-way guard Lachlan Olbrich, who secured a double-double in their previous win over Grand Rapids Gold. Miller’s efficient shooting, finishing with 16 points on 77.8% shooting, was complemented by Mouhamadou Gueye off the bench, who contributed six rebounds and five blocks after a solid performance in an earlier victory against the Gold.
Upcoming Matchups and Season Outlook
The two teams will meet again on Saturday evening at NOW Arena, marking the conclusion of their brief regular-season series. Coming into Friday’s game, Raptors 905 were seeking to recover from two consecutive defeats against the Cleveland Charge, the Eastern Conference’s second-place team known for its potent offense fueled by former NBA talent. Despite recent setbacks, the Raptors maintain the league’s top defensive rating of 104.4, combining data from both the Tip-Off Tournament and regular season.
After facing Raptors 905 again at home, the Windy City Bulls remain in Chicago for a final home game against the Wisconsin Herd before traveling to Portland, Maine, for a pair of contests against the Maine Celtics. These upcoming games will be critical for the Bulls as they aim to strengthen their standing in the conference.
Details for the Weekend Clash
The Bulls and Raptors 905 will tip off at 7 p.m. CST on Saturday at NOW Arena. Fans can follow the broadcast on CHSN as the two rivals continue their competitive series that is drawing attention across the G League landscape.
