Windsor’s one night date with the NBA

The Windsor Express competed in an exhibition game of historic proportions.

 

On Nov. 5, the Windsor Express played against the Raptors 905, a team in the NBA’s development league owned by the Toronto Raptors. The exhibition game marked the first time an NBA team of any sort played against a team from the National Basketball League of Canada. The Raptors 905 are preparing for their first season of play in the NBA D-League. The Express were coming off back to back championship years and look forward to winning a third title in the 2015-16 season. The matchup took place at the WFCU Centre where the Raptors 905 defeated the Express 117-114. NBL of Canada  commissioner David Magley was in attendance. Before the game, Magley says this matchup would be a supportive benefit for the Windsor Express organization.

It brings more awareness to the organization,” Magley said. “They’re the two time defending champions, everyone will know how great the product is and it will make a great difference.”

The Express trailed by as much as 29 during the third quarter and never led throughout the game. They cut the lead to three points by outscoring their opponent 45-25 in the fourth and  final quarter.Express guard Adrian Moss was the leading scorer with 38 points in their loss. Express interim head coach Tony Jones says Moss kept the team in the game.

“Adrian showed a never say die mentality,” said Jones. “He showed his competitive nature, his character and he showed he didn’t want his team to be ran out of the building.”

Magley says the event was a positive step for the league.

“The competition was good and it was great seeing our boys compete like that,” Magley said. “What an amazing way to start year five and it’s a sign of things to come.”

Despite the loss, Jones praised those who made the exhibition game possible.

“Kudos to the Raptors organization for letting us play them, Dartis (president and CEO of the Windsor Express) and the league. It was special,” said Jones.

Looking ahead, the London Lightning, another NBL of Canada team, will play the Raptors 905 on Nov. 9. For the Express, training camp begins in early December. Their season will start on Dec. 26 against the Orangeville A’s.