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G League Grand Rapids Drive

Drive Drop High-Scoring Contest to Blue Coats

March 20, 2019 - NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - The Delaware Blue Coats (20-28) came alive offensively behind 35 points, five rebounds and six assists from Shake Milton to defeat the Grand Rapids Drive (26-22) on the road Wednesday night by a 144-135 final. The Drive's magic number for making the playoffs remains at one, pending the results of Capital City at Santa Cruz. Grand Rapids allowed 125 points on opening night and had not surrendered that many since, but the Blue Coats surpassed that total by 19 points in regulation.

In addition to Milton's performance, Delaware got 22 points apiece from Jared Brownridge and former Pistons two-way player Keenan Evans. D.J. Hogg also scored 14 points and picked up 12 rebounds off the bench. All but one of the nine Delaware players that played in the game scored at least 10 points.

Kalin Lucas notched his fourth consecutive game scoring at least 30 points for the Drive, scoring 32 with eight assists. Khyri Thomas scored 25, Isaiah Whitehead had 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Marcus Thornton scored 20 off the bench. Two other notable bench players were Dakarai Allen (14 points) and Speedy Smith (13 assists).

The Drive made it interesting late, and their 35 assists as a team tied for the second-most in franchise history. However, all eight of the game's lead changes and all five of its ties happened within the first three quarters as the Blue Coats were able to ice it.

Delaware was incredibly efficient in the paint, going 27-of-33 in the first three quarters against an undersized Drive starting lineup. The Blue Coats also took great care of the basketball, surrendering just 11 turnovers on the night. Their 79 points in the first half was 10 more than any other Drive opponent has managed this season.

Both teams will play their final two games of the season back-to-back on Friday and Saturday. The Blue Coats host Long Island Friday and Maine Saturday, and the Drive will play Canton at home Friday and head to Fort Wayne on Saturday.

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