Blue Coats Fall to Drive Down the Stretch
March 9, 2019 - NBA G League (G League)
Delaware Blue Coats News Release
WILMINGTON - The Delaware Blue Coats (18-24), the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, fell to the Grand Rapids Drive (24-20), 120-115, on Saturday night at 76ers Fieldhouse. Norvel Pelle recorded his eleventh double-double (22 points, 18 rebounds) of the season in 30 minutes for the Blue Coats, adding a career-high seven blocked shots in the loss.
76ers two-way contract player Shake Milton led all scorers with 23 points (9-18 fg, 1-5 3fg, 4-4 ft) to go along with five rebounds and seven assists in 30 minutes for the home team. Pelle's 22 points (10-14 fg, 2-4 ft) matched his total from Friday night at Capital City, and his 18 rebounds marked a new career high. Jared Brownridge added 17 points (6-13 fg, 4-10 3fg, 1-1 ft) in 26 minutes as a Blue Coats reserve.
Amir Johnson, on assignment from the 76ers, posted 13 points (5-7 fg, 1-2 3fg, 2-2 ft) and five rebounds in 23 minutes for Delaware.
"[He's] a veteran presence," said Pelle of Johnson. "So nothing but positivity. It keeps you motivated to know that, 14 years in the NBA, maybe that could be me one day."
"He didn't have to do that," added Pelle. "For him to come down and show 'listen, I'm just here to play basketball,' it means a lot to us. We look up to him like 'hey, that could be us.' "
The Blue Coats led 55-54 at halftime. Grand Rapids erupted for 39 points in the fourth quarter and seven Drive players finished in double figures, as the team has now won five straight games.
Detroit Pistons assignment player Svi Mykhailiuk paced the visitors with 21 points (6-17 fg, 1-4 3fg, 8-9 ft), four rebounds and six assists in 29 minutes off the bench. Khyri Thomas, also on assignment from the Pistons, recorded 18 points (5-12 fg, 3-6 3fg, 5-6 ft) and five rebounds in 26 minutes. Speedy Smith and Marcus Thornton added 16 points apiece for the Drive.
The Blue Coats host the Westchester Knicks on Monday night at 76ers Fieldhouse. The Hispanic Heritage Night contest tips off at 7:00 PM.
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