G League Grand Rapids Drive

Drive Win in OT Behind Whitehead's 35

Published on January 27, 2019 under NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release


WASHINGTON D.C. - The Grand Rapids Drive (13-16) avoided a season series sweep by defeating the Capital City Go-Go (17-12) on the road in overtime Sunday afternoon. They held the Go-Go to just one basket in overtime to win by a final score of 115-111. Two-way player Isaiah Whitehead had his best game as a member of the Drive, as his 35 points were crucial to the Grand Rapids victory.

In addition to Whitehead's individual scoring, the Drive also outscored their opponents by 16 points in the 37 minutes Whitehead played, easily the best plus-minus of the day. Marcus Thornton moved to the bench for Grand Rapids but still scored 28 points with seven rebounds, and Speedy Smith finished as the only other Drive player in double figures with 12 points, six rebounds and six assists (although three other players scored at least eight points).

Peshon Howard was the big standout for the home team, scoring 33 points and hitting seven three-pointers on 11 attempts. Duje Dukan scored 22 off the bench while going 11-of-12 from the foul line and Gary Payton II had 17 points and 10 rebounds to finish as the only player on the day that was able to record a double-double.

It was only fitting that the game go into overtime, as it was a back-and-forth battle where neither team was able to gain a significant advantage over their opponent. The final tallies were a whopping 23 lead changes and 18 ties, with a seven-point lead by the Drive in the second quarter serving as the largest deficit of the game.

Howard hit a big three-pointer for the Go-Go to put them up 109-106 with 64 seconds remaining to play, but the Drive answered on their next possession with a three from Dakarai Allen. Neither team could score on their final shot attempts before overtime.

The two teams were evenly matched on the stat sheet as well as the scoreboard throughout. One advantage the Drive had was pulling down 14 offensive rebounds, helping them attempt 100 field goals to 86 by the Go-Go.

The Drive will finish their road trip by playing the Delaware Blue Coats on Tuesday night, while next up for the Go-Go is a meeting with Raptors 905 Wednesday.

Check out the Grand Rapids Drive Statistics

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NBA G League Stories from January 27, 2019


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