Mickey, Yabusele Lead Red Claws in Finale
April 1, 2017 - NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
Hoffman Estates, IL - April 1, 2017 - The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, finished the regular season in style with a 93-82 win over Windy City Saturday night.
Jordan Mickey, on assignment from the Boston Celtics, led Maine with 26 points and 8 rebounds, while Celtics first round NBA Draft pick Guerschon Yabusele added 20 points (7-9 FG, 4-5 3pt FG) and 11 rebounds in just his second game with the team. Demetrius Jackson, also on assignment from the Celtics, finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists, while Arthur Edwards added 11 points. Marcus Georges-Hunt, Abdel Nader and Jalen Jones did not play in tonight's game.
The playoff-bound Red Claws finish the regular season with a 29-21 record. During the game, the #2 Red Claws learned they will face #3 Fort Wayne in the opening round of the NBA D-League Playoffs. Details on the schedule will be announced soon.
Mickey got things started with a scorching-hot start, making his first five baskets and scoring the first 11 points for Maine. Yabusele followed that up with four quick points, and the Red Claws led 15-8 early in the 1st. Windy City struggled from downtown early, and Josh Hagins made them pay with a three-ball that gave Maine a 28-19 lead. Yabusele drained a three of his own, and Maine enjoyed a 31-23 lead after one. The Red Claws shot 55% (12-22) in the opening quarter, including 5-7 from downtown. Windy City went 0-8 from beyond the arc in the period.
Yabusele opened the 2nd with a driving finger roll to extend the lead. Edwards' corner three made it 39-26 Maine, just 2:30 into the quarter. Yabusele showed off the range, as the Claws extended to a 13 point lead. The Bulls went on a run, finally getting some long-range shots to fall. With 4:24 to go in the half, Windy City had cut it to 46-43. Jackson put in a couple tough lay-ups at the end of the half, and Maine enjoyed a 55-49 lead at the break. Yabusele finished the first half a perfect 6-6 from the floor, including 3-3 from downtown.
Mickey opened the second half with a quick bucket. Cartier Martin hit a three to make it a 62-61 ball game. It was a back-and-forth quarter, with Maine holding on to a 66-64 lead after three. Windy City took the lead early in the 4th quarter, with Asauhn Dixon-Tatum's free throws evening the score at 68-68. Yabusele drained his 4th three-pointer to right the ship, as Maine went back up by six with 7:35 to play. The Red Claws cruised to victory down the stretch.
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