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G League Grand Rapids Drive

Bench Boosts Drive over Swarm

December 30, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release


GRAND RAPIDS -The Grand Rapids Drive (9-10) put a stop to a three-game skid with a home win over the Greensboro Swarm (6-14) on Friday night, prevailing 112-99.

The Drive did not trail after the early part of the first quarter, ending the 2016 calendar year on a positive note.

Jordan Crawford and Chris Horton were a potent one-two punch off the bench for the Drive. The two combined for 27 points by halftime (more than the Drive's starters combined). Crawford finished with 21 points and Horton scored a season-high 20 points, missing just one field goal and gathering seven rebounds. Kevin Murphy led the Drive by scoring 24 points, going five-of-six from three and Ray McCallum had 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Xavier Mumford and Aaron Harrison were the main sources of offense for the Swarm. Harrison had 17 of his 21 points in the first half and Mumford also provided 21 points. Archie Goodwin chipped in 14 points and Perry Ellis had 13 points and eight boards off the bench.

The Drive had a strong start, jumping out to a 30-18 lead by the end of the first quarter, holding Greensboro to just 31 percent from the field in the first. But the Swarm recovered quickly, opening the first half of the second quarter with a 15-5 run to pull within two points. The Drive fought back with the Crawford-Horton combo and pulled ahead 53-48 at halftime.

The Drive followed this up with a 16-9 opening to the third quarter, tying their largest lead of the contest at the time by pushing the deficit to 12. They stretched it to 15 with a three-pointer by Murphy in the closing seconds of the third quarter, and Greensboro was not able to string together any runs in the fourth quarter.

Uncharacteristically, the Drive were very active around the basket in this contest, going 26-of-52 in the paint. The Swarm struggled with their efficiency, shooting under 40 percent from the field. The Drive recorded 25 assists, just two under their season high.

The Drive have one more home contest before going on a seven-game road trip, and that game will be Jan. 4 against the Westchester Knicks. Greensboro is off for more than a week until their next game, Jan. 8 at Oklahoma City.

For ticket information, contact the Drive Box Office at 844-GR-DRIVE (844-473-7483) or go online to www.nbagrandrapids.com.

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