Energy Outlast Drive for Second Win in Three Games
January 7, 2015 - NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. - Jan. 7 - The Iowa Energy (7-9) did just enough on Wednesday to defeat the Central Division-leading Grand Rapids Drive (10-8) by a score of 112-106 in a game that came down to the final seconds. The Energy have now responded to an earlier five-game losing streak by beating the top two teams in their division.
It looked like Iowa was set to dominate the game early, as they jumped out to an eight-point lead within the first five minutes, and held a lead as big as 13 at one point.
The majority of the Drive's ensuing rally came late in the fourth, erasing a six-point deficit in the last three minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie was fouled shooting a runner with ten seconds left with his team down by two, but missed his chance knot the score by going just one-of-two from the free throw line, thus forcing Grand Rapids to foul.
Iowa was able to secure the win after that by hitting their free throws and fouling the Drive in return to prevent a three-point attempt.
Damien Wilkins had a huge offensive game for the Energy, pouring in 22 points in the first half and finishing with 32 total. Larry Owens added 17 and lead the team with seven rebounds. Diante Garrett was an impressive facilitator, leading all players with seven assists to go with his 15 points.
Lorenzo Brown responded well to Drive coach Otis Smith moving him into the starting lineup by scoring a team-leading 29 points and draining five-of-seven three-pointers. Dinwiddie, the 38th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft on assignment from the Detroit Pistons, had 20 points.
This was only the Drive's second home loss of the year, dropping their record at the DeltaPlex to 7-2. The Energy, however, have actually been better away from home, as the win moves their road record to 5-4.
The Energy will stay on the road for their next game, a January 9 matchup with with Oklahoma City. The Drive have one more game, against Delaware, also on January 9, before a two-week break.
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