Charge Drop Game 1 to Sioux Falls
April 12, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Cleveland Charge News Release
The Canton Charge, presented by SecureData 365 and powered by the Cleveland Cavaliers, dropped Game 1 of the NBA Development League Eastern Conference Finals, 112-104, Tuesday night at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.
Two of the league's best teams struggled to gain control early in the contest, exchanging the lead nine times in the first 24 minutes, including six ties. Sioux Falls' Greg Whittington had a spotless first half, posting 12 points on 6-of-6 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds. An impressive second quarter from Cleveland Cavaliers assignment Sasha Kaun (nine points, six rebounds) helped Canton take a 51-49 lead into the half.
The Charge maintained an advantage by as 12 through the majority of the third quarter, eventually entering the fourth leading 85-79. The Skyforce went on an 18-2 run to begin the fourth and take a 97-89 advantage. A Quinn Cook layup at the 3:03 mark brought Canton within four, but the top-seeded Skyforce would push their lead to as many as 10 before hanging on as the series shifts to Sioux Falls.
Cook recorded his second double-double in three games of the postseason, netting 25 points and dishing 10 assists with three steals in a team-high 42 minutes. Jordan McRae provided 21 points, four rebounds and five assists in his Charge debut on assignment from the Cavaliers. Kaun impressed in his Charge debut as well, finishing with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks in 30 minutes. Nick Minnerath provided 11 points off the bench in 24 minutes.
Rodney McGruder paced Sioux Falls with a game-high 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting, including 5-of-10 from distance and 25 points in the second half alone. Jarnell Stokes scored 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting while grabbing eight rebounds in 26 minutes. Keith Benson added 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting in an efficient 20 minutes off the bench. Whittington finished with 18 points of his own off the Sioux Falls bench that outscored Canton's 41-22.
Canton will travel to Sioux Falls for Game 2 at a to-be-determined date and time. Fans can get in the conversation on social media throughout the team's 2016 postseason run by using #FiveStrong.
Get locked in as a member of Charge Nation for the 2016-17 season to reserve the best seats to catch all the excitement and gives you a host of benefits that start immediately! For Charge Nation Memberships, game day promotions and up-to-date information, head to www.CantonCharge.com.
NBA G League Stories from April 12, 2016
- Austin Spurs Face Los Angeles D-Fenders in NBA D-League Western Conference Finals - Austin Spurs
- Charge Drop Game 1 to Sioux Falls - Cleveland Charge
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- Phoenix Suns Buy Bakersfield Jam; Relocate Team to Prescott Valley, Arizona - G League
- Cavaliers Assign Kaun and McRae to Canton Charge - Cleveland Charge
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