G League Grand Rapids Drive

Drive Hold off Knicks in Overtime Thriller

Published on December 27, 2014 under NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - Dec. 27, 2014- The Grand Rapids Drive (7-6) survived a nail-biter on Sunday, defeating the Westchester Knicks (6-10) in overtime by a score of 104-100.

Grand Rapids appeared to have the upper hand as they jumped out to an early 26-19 lead in the first quarter, but it amounted to little as Westchester climbed back quickly in the second quarter.

The rest of the game was a remarkable seesaw battle, with a total of 18 lead changes and 11 ties. Neither team had a double-digit lead for the entirety of the contest.

Westchester's Darnell Jackson hit a three-pointer off an inbound to tie the game and force overtime with only 1.9 seconds on the clock. But the Drive were able to turn up the intensity in the overtime period and come away with their fourth home win of the year.

In his first start of the season, Willie Reed notched a double-double for the Drive with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Adonis Thomas paced the Drive with 23 points and Brandon Fields contributed 20.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Langston Galloway were an effective one-two scoring punch for the Knicks, combining for 41 points and 18 rebounds.

Grand Rapids coach Otis Smith's decision to start his two centers, Willie Reed and Hasheem Thabeet, for the first time this year paid off, as the Drive out-rebounded the Knicks by a 56-45 margin.

The Knicks did a lot of their damage at the free-throw line, converting on 20 out of 31 chances, including 15 combined attempts by their two leading scorers.

Westchester is in action again on Sunday when they travel to Delaware to play the 87ers. The Drive remain at home for a Sunday matchup with the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

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