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G League Grand Rapids Drive

Hilliard, Crawford Lead Drive over Knicks

February 2, 2017 - NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release


GRAND RAPIDS- A first-quarter explosion from Darrun Hilliard and a major bench boost from Jordan Crawford was enough to lift the Grand Rapids Drive (14-16) over the Westchester Knicks (13-15) in a shootout on Wednesday night, as they prevailed 132-117.

The 132 points were the most for the Drive since their season opener. After trailing by two at halftime, the Drive were in a hole as the Knicks stretched their lead to 11 in the third, but it was all Drive from that point. They outscored Westchester 69-52 in the second half despite the slow start to the third quarter.

Hilliard had almost certainly the most impressive start to a game in Drive history, opening the game going six-of-six from three within the first four and a half minutes. Hilliard finished with 20 first-quarter points, and ended the game with 29 points, making seven threes. Fellow Pistons assignee Henry Ellenson had 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Crawford scored 10 points in just five minutes in the first quarter and after three quarters had 23 points in 15 minutes. He finished with 25 points in 23 minutes, hitting 9-of-14 from the field. Nikola Jovanovic chipped in 14 points and 11 rebounds as well and Kevin Murphy supplanted Crawford with 17 points off the bench.

For the Knicks, Von Wafer was unstoppable off the bench, knocking down 10-of-15 field goals on his way to 26 points. Kevin Capers poured in 21 as well and Doron Lamb had 20, while Keith Wright collected 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The Drive had one of their most efficient games of the season, pouring in 54 percent of their field goals and making over 45 percent of their three-pointers for the second consecutive game. They also uncharacteristically drew free-throw attempts at a high rate, with 36 attempts in the game.

Westchester forced eight turnovers in the first quarter to keep up with the Drive's torrid pace, but ran out of steam as the game went on. They dressed just nine players for the game with Jordon Crawford out with an illness.

Grand Rapids' next action will be on the road Feb. 3 against the Canton Charge, who they are 2-0 against on the season. The Knicks play the first game of a back-to-back against the Windy City Bulls at home, also on Feb. 3.

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