Long Island knew that Wednesday morning’s game vs. the Raptors 905 was must-win with their playoff hopes on the line. Ultimately, Long Island did what they had to do and defeated the Raptors 905, 127-122 in suburban Toronto. The win kept Long Island’s slim playoff hopes alive. The Nets G League affiliate is now one game out of the post-season, but will still need wins in their last two games ... and get help from elsewhere to make it work.
However, in the process of picking up the win, Long Island lost one of their biggest contributors. Killian Hayes who they’ll need if they can get to the playoffs.
At the end of the third quarter, Hayes appeared to roll his ankle. He quickly hit the deck writhing in pain while holding the ankle, having to be helped off the court. He wouldn’t see action again in Wednesday’s game. No word yet on the severity.
Hayes was in the process of another very strong game prior to getting hurt. Prior to his injury, Hayes scored 20 points, , connecting on eight of his 17 shots, including two of seven from three. Hayes also picked up five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Tyson Etienne, the newest Nets two-way, picked up Hayes bag, finishing with 30 points, continuing his fantastic shooting from beyond the arc. Etienne landed seven of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc and 10 of his 17 shots from the field. E
Coming off his 50-point performance, Drew Timme got into foul trouble and didn’t have his typical high scoring game, The 6’10” 24-year-old finished with just 14 points. He connected on six of his 10 shots but missed both his attempts from deep. Timme also picked up seven rebounds and three assists.
Tosan Evbuomwan was third on Long Island in scoring, picking up 19 points. The two-way player continues to improve a great deal on the court and has continued to show his potential all year. Evbuomwan shot the ball very well, connecting on six of his 10 shots, including hitting three of his five attempts from deep. Evbuomwan also picked up five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.
Terry Roberts picked up 18 points, while Reece Beekman picked up 17. Beekman also picked up a double-double, finishing with 10 assists. He came close to a triple-double, picking up seven rebounds too. The strong showing from Beekman and Roberts led Long Island in the fourth after Hayes went down.
After going down 2-0 in the first, Long Island outscored Toronto, 11-2. As the first quarter became closer down the stretch, Long Island was only able to take a three-point lead into the second. Long Island continued to outscore Toronto in the second, 35-29, to take a nine-point lead into the half.
Toronto battled back in the third, outscoring Long Island, 35-26. Both teams entered the fourth tied at 90, with it truly being anyone’s game. Unfortunately for Long Island, they had to win the fourth without the help of Hayes or Timme, who was out a majority of the fourth with foul trouble. Long Island outscored Toronto, 37-32, to win the game by five points.
**Next Up**
-----------
The Long Island Nets (17-15) return to their home court on Friday night for a showdown with the Cleveland Charge (14-18), the first of a season-ending duo. Long Island looks to keep their playoff hopes alive as they have to win out if they have a chance to make it. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on NBA G-League and Long Island Nets’ respective websites, as well as the Gotham Sports App.
* [Boxscore: Long Island Nets 127, Raptors 905, 122](https://gleague.nba.com/game/lin-vs-rap-2022400495?view=box-score) - G League