Drive Hold off Energy's Rally to Overtake First Place
December 19, 2014 - NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release
Des Moines - The Grand Rapids Drive (6-5) took over first place in the Central Division with a 100-95 victory over the Iowa Energy (5-6) Friday.
A fierce comeback in the fourth quarter by Iowa challenged Grand Rapids' lead, which ballooned to over 15 after a third quarter where the Drive clamped down defensively, limiting their opponents to just 14 points.
Iowa's 33-24 fourth-quarter made it interesting, but the Drive ultimately held off their challengers by sinking some clutch free throws late in the fourth.
Brandon Fields fought off some problems with efficiency to lead the Drive in scoring and post a versatile 18 points, five rebounds and six assists. Willie Reed had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Kelsey Barlow chipped in 14 points in only 16 minutes off the bench.
The Energy fiercely attacked the glass all night, and it showed as newly acquired Jarrid Famous piled up 18 rebounds to go with his 15 points. Jarnell Stokes, on assignment from the Memphis Grizzlies, also was a major contributor with 16 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.
Despite the fairly high score, neither team was able to get anything going from behind the arc, going a combined 7-of-40 from three-point range. Grand Rapids also held Iowa to just 35 percent shooting from the field on the night and held a team under the century mark in points for the ninth time this season.
The Drive head back home for a showdown with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on Saturday, and the Energy's next contest is also Friday, on the road facing the Erie BayHawks.
NBA G League Stories from December 19, 2014
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- Drive Hold off Energy's Rally to Overtake First Place - Grand Rapids Drive
- Iowa Energy Fall to the Grand Rapids Drive - Iowa Wolves
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- Memphis Grizzlies Re-Assign Jarnell Stokes to NBA Development League's Iowa Energy - G League
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