G League Grand Rapids Drive

Bulls Hold off Late Surge to Beat Drive

November 16, 2018 - NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - The Windy City Bulls (2-5) defeated the Grand Rapids Drive (2-3) for the first time in three tries on Friday night, prevailing 96-93. The Bulls led by 18 points heading into the fourth quarter and saw their offense sputter down the stretch, but got just enough for the win, highlighted by a three-pointer by Rawle Alkins to put them up six points with 22 seconds remaining.

Alkins scored 30 points on 12-of-18 shooting (4-of-5 from three-point range) to lead the Bulls. CJ Fair and Kaiser Gates were the two next- highest scorers for the Bulls with 14 points despite both of them coming off the bench. Fair also added nine rebounds while Atkins had eight, and Ferrakohn Hall had 10 points, seven rebounds and paced the team with five assists.

A trio of players assigned from the Detroit Pistons led the Drive's effort. Henry Ellenson had a team-high 27 points, also grabbing nine rebounds. Bruce Brown had the only double-double of the game with 15 points and 10 boards, and Khyri Thomas scored 14 points. Jon Horford off the bench was the only other Drive player in double figures, scoring 10 points with nine rebounds.

Both teams played tough games defensively, often forcing shots late in the shot clock. The Bulls held the Drive to just 10 assists on the game, easily a season low. But the Drive's biggest issue in the game was their inability to connect from three-point range. After shooting at least 35 percent in each of their last three games, they hit just 6-of-32 threes for 19 percent, another season low. They got up six more three-point attempts than the Bulls, but the Bulls hit a healthy 42 percent of their attempts, largely due to Alkins' efforts.

There were three lead changes and seven ties in the first quarter, but the Bulls held the lead for the rest of the game as the Drive's comeback attempt fell just short.

This game was the front end of a back-to-back for both teams. The Bulls will head up to Oshkosh to square off with the Wisconsin Herd, while the Drive stay at home to take on the Canton Charge.

Check out the Grand Rapids Drive Statistics



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