Erie BayHawks Final Flyover
By Jason Marks
After a magical playoff run, the Erie BayHawks were defeated by defending G-League Champions Raptors 905. We give you all the details on the BayHawks’ tremendous playoff run in their first season of existence.
Post-Season Callbacks
As #TankingSZN is upon us, the Atlanta Hawks decided to send all of the Two-Way players back to Erie for their G-League playoff run.
Magical Start
On March 31st, the playoffs began as Erie took on division rival Lakeland. A tight battle at Erie Insurance Arena saw the BayHawks start to pull away in the 2nd quarter as they outscored the Magic 26-18.
Lakeland would keep it close beginning in the 3rd quarter on a 13-3 run to cut the lead to 2, but Erie would hold them at bay for a 96-90 win.
John Gillon led the way with 20 points, and Raphiael Putney added 19 by shooting 4-7 from 3PT range.
Getting Antsy
Erie would travel to Fort Wayne in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The BayHawks got off to a fast start against the Mad Ants, outscoring them 35-24 in the first quarter and would score 73 points in the first half.
In the second half, it seemed the BayHawks would sputter and Fort Wayne would slowly crawl back with a chance to win it late. A 29-point outing by DeQuon Jones would be enough for the home team as Erie were able to hold off the Mad Ants 119-116.
Andrew White finished with 26 points off the bench and the BayHawks shot a blistering 47% from the 3PT line.
Josh Magette proved why he’s been one of the most impactful G-League player over the last couple of years:
A big night for @ATLHawks #2WayPlayer @joshmagette, leading the @ErieBayHawks to the Eastern Conference Finals!
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) April 4, 2018
21 points, 12 assists & 2 steals for the #NBAGLeague assists leader tonight #GLeaguePlayoffs pic.twitter.com/3K0xEIf2q2
So Close, Yet So Far Away
The Raptors 905 have been a thorn in the side of the BayHawks the entire season. Erie seemed to team the beat early on in the Conference Finals, but Lorenzo Brown proved to be too much in the 2nd half and the Raptors were victorious once again over the BayHawks 118-106 — finishing Erie’s season.
The Raptors 905 move on to the G-League Finals in a best of 3 series with the Austin Spurs.
Farewell to Erie
This was a memorable season for the Erie BayHawks. A roster loaded with 2-Way players who saw playing time in the NBA, and also the night of the Pepperoni Balls. For the second time, pro basketball will leave Erie, PA in way for College Park, GA where they will play in a new arena opening in the fall of 2019.