66ers Bring The Thunder To The 'Birds, Win 106-86
March 27, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Tulsa 66ers News Release
TULSA, Okla., March 26, 2010 - Oklahoma City Thunder assignee Byron Mullens shot 8-of-12 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range en route to a team-high 24 points, as the Tulsa 66ers defeated the Albuquerque Thunderbirds 106-86 Friday night at the Tulsa Convention Center. Latavious Williams and Mustafa Shakur each finished with double-doubles, as Williams put up 19 points and 16 rebounds while Shakur added 15 points and 10 assists.
The first quarter started as a back-and-forth affair, with six lead changes and two ties, as Chad Toppert nailed a three-pointer for the Thunderbirds with 7:54 remaining in the period, sparking a 12-2 run that gave them a 23-14 edge with 5:05 left. The 66ers rallied back with a 17-2 run to end the quarter, went to the break with a 31-25 lead, and did not trail the rest of the way. Shakur had seven first quarter points, as Tulsa shot 68.4 percent (13-19) from the field and out rebounded the Thunderbirds 8-4 in the quarter. Toppert and Keith McLeod each scored eight, as Albuquerque shot 56.3 percent (9-16).
Tulsa continued their hot shooting in the second quarter, starting with a 14-6 run capped by a Williams lay up that gave the 66ers a 45-33 lead with 6:56 remaining in the first half. Tulsa built as much as a 15-point lead late in the quarter by shooting 65 percent (13-20) from the field, and went into halftime with a 60-49 advantage. McLeod scored eight points in the quarter to keep the Thunderbirds within striking distance, as they shot 7-for-19 from the field and 8-of-10 from the free throw line.
Coming out of halftime, the 66ers built a 68-52 lead after a Larry Owens jumper from the wing capped an 8-3 run. The Thunderbirds rallied with a 6-0 run of their own before the 66ers utilized five turnovers by Albuquerque to spark a 14-2 run to move ahead 82-60 with 2:05 left in the quarter. The 66ers took an 82-64 lead into the final quarter.
A Mullens dunk capped a 14-5 run by the 66ers to move ahead 96-69 with 7:43 left in the game. Mullens scored eight points in the quarter, and Williams had eight fourth quarter rebounds, as the 66ers shot 10-for-23.
The 66ers out rebounded Albuquerque 48-33 for the game, and outscored the Thunderbirds in the paint 54-22. Tulsa shot 43-of-79 (54.4 percent) from the field compared to 28-of-71 (39.4 percent) for the Thunderbirds.
Led by Mullens, Williams and Shakur the 66ers (24-21) improved to 14-7 at home and finished with five players in double-figure scoring. Owens and Moses Ehambe each scored 17 points.
The Thunderbirds (18-29) were led by McLeod with a game-high 29 points, including making 13-of-14 free throws. Toppert and Antoine Agudio each scored 18 points, while Shane Edwards finished with a double-double of 12 points and 13 boards.
Both teams will match up again on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Tulsa Convention Center.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from March 27, 2010
- Bighorns claw back for win - Reno Bighorns
- Flash hold off Stampede - Utah Flash
- Magic Number to Clinch Western Conference Championship Down to One - Los Angeles D-Fenders
- Skyforce pierces Armor - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Vipers Complete Season Sweep of D-Fenders on National Stage - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Toros Headed to Playoffs for Third Straight Year - Austin Spurs
- Bakersfield's Alade Aminu Signs with Miami Heat - Bakersfield Jam
- Forward Earns 2009-10 NBA D-League Season's 28th GATORADE Call-Up - G League
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- 66ers Bring The Thunder To The 'Birds, Win 106-86 - Tulsa 66ers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
