G League Cleveland Charge

Canton Comes up Short in Grand Rapids

Published on December 23, 2015 under NBA G League (G League)
Cleveland Charge News Release


The Canton Charge (4-10), presented by SecureData 365 and powered by the Cleveland Cavaliers, fell on the road to the Grand Rapids Drive (7-8), 113-111, at the DeltaPlex Arena on Wednesday night. Jorge Gutierrez's runner to tie at the buzzer came up short after the Charge were down 6 with 19 seconds to go.

The two teams traded blows throughout the first quarter for 13 lead changes and four ties in the opening 12 minutes. Canton saw seven different players get in the scoring column in the first, but Grand Rapids held a 30-29 edge after one thanks in part to efficient offense that saw them hit 9-of-17 shots (53%), led by Kelsey Barlow's 13 points.

The Charge ramped up their offensive attack in the second by moving the ball all over the floor and finding the open shot, assisting on all 10 of their field goals in the quarter. Trailing 50-45 and 2:16 left in the half, Canton rolled off a 15-7 run by hitting their final five shots and two free-throws to lead 60-52 at the break. The 60 points scored were the most in a single half so far for the Charge this season.

With Canton up 66-56 early in the third quarter, Grand Rapids outscored the visitors 25-7 to pull ahead lead 81-73. Over the final 2:12, the Charge responded with a 12-2 run of their own to regain the lead 85-83. Barlow was once again the catalyst for the hosts with a 12 point quarter after being shut out in the second, while the Drive nailed 11-of-18 shots from the field (61%) as a unit to get back in the game.

The Drive continued their strong offensive output in the fourth by hitting 10-of-16 shots (63%) and converted 9-of-16 attempts from the free-throw line. Grand Rapids made their move with the game tied 97-97, scoring on five of their next six possessions to lead 107-101. Canton pushed back when down 112-106 and 19.1 seconds left, got crucial stops and missed free-throws while converting on the offensive end. Trailing 113-11 and 6.8 seconds left, Gutierrez went the length of the court and attempted to force extra time. He absorbed contact from Barlow, who got part of the ball on the attempt to alter the shot and seal the win.

C.J. Wilcox paced Canton on assignment from the Clippers with 23 points on 5-of-11 three-point shooting in 38 minutes. Quinn Cook added 18 points and four assists in 37 minutes. Gutierrez finished with 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting and nine assists in 32 minutes. Jon Horford netted 10 points with nine boards in his Charge debut, while John Holland scored 11 points and nabbed two steals off the bench in his first game for the Wine & Gold.

Barlow finished with 30 points on 10-of-14 shooting and five boards in 38 minutes. Kammeon Holsey scored 19 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished five assists in 26 minutes off the bench. Lorenzo Brown scored 14 points, grabbed six boards, dished nine assists and grabbed two steals in 33 minutes. Dahntay Jones added 18 points in 36 minutes for Grand Rapids.

The Charge are back home on Saturday, December 26th at 7:00 p.m. against the Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors affiliate)! Fans can meet some of their favorite Charge players at postgame autographs, with a FREE Kids Zone presented by Constellation and more starting at just $8! For more information and to purchase tickets, head to www.CantonCharge.com.

2015-16 single game tickets and Charge Nation Memberships are on sale now starting at just $8 per game! Premium Memberships are also available, which include courtside seating and dining access in the Courtside Club presented by Budweiser starting at just $40 per game! Group discounts are available for parties of 20 or more, with Fan Experience Packages such as being a part of the high five tunnel or playing on the Charge court! For 2015-16 Charge Nation Memberships, game day promotions, and up-to-date information, head to www.CantonCharge.com or call 866-444-1944.

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NBA G League Stories from December 23, 2015


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