Fab Melo's Record-Setting Night Not Enough as Red Claws Fall
Published on December 22, 2012 under NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
PORTLAND, ME - Boston Celtics rookie Fab Melo recorded a triple-double and set a new NBA Development League record for blocked shots in a game with 14, but it was not enough as the Erie BayHawks (6-4) shot down the first-place Red Claws, 85-78.
The Red Claws and BayHawks traded baskets early before an 11-2 Red Claws' run midway through the first quarter gave Maine an early eight-point lead. Melo's six points, seven rebounds and five blocks in the quarter were an early indication that something special was happening in the Expo, but the BayHawks battled back to close out the quarter trailing just 22-18.
The back-and-forth battle continued in the second quarter, with the teams trading baskets and neither team building a lead of more than five points. Late in the quarter, DaJuan Summers of the Red Claws hit a three pointer to give Maine a slim lead only to see Erie's Tirrell Baines score four straight to close out the half with a 42-41 lead.
Chris Wright gave the Red Claws a little bit of a spark coming out of the locker room, scoring four quick points to give Maine the lead, but this would be the last time Maine was in the driver's seat. Erie used a 10-2 run to open up an eight-point lead which they would never relinquish. Maine had a 7-0 run of their own to cut the lead to one, but were unable to find the go ahead basket. Erie closed out the quarter on an 8-2 run to take a 64-58 lead into the final frame.
The fourth quarter gave the Portland crowd plenty to cheer for as Melo completed his triple-double, the third in team history, with 15 points, 16 rebounds and an NBADL record 14 blocks. Other key contributors for Maine were Wright with a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds), Summers (16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks), Shelvin Mack (14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and Kris Joseph (10 points, 7 rebounds).
Ere was led by Baines' 18 points and 6 rebounds. Also chipping in were Henry Sims (16 points, 8 rebounds), Nick Covington (12 points), D.J. Kennedy (11 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists) and Demonte Harper (10 points, 4 rebounds).
The Red Claws will travel on Christmas Day to Boise, ID where they will face the Idaho Stampede on December 26 before heading to Sioux Falls, SD to take on the Sioux Falls Skyforce on December 28 and 29. The team will return home for a 1 PM contest on December 31 vs. rival Springfield. The BayHawks will be idle for the holidays before getting back to action on December 28 vs. the Austin Toros and December 29 vs. the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
NBA G League Stories from December 22, 2012
- D-Fenders Defeat Stampede - Idaho Stampede
- 66ers Hold off Charge - Tulsa 66ers
- Austin Toros Lose at Home 117-106 - Austin Spurs
- Tulsa Takes Down Canton - Cleveland Charge
- Springfield Outlasts Fort Wayne - Springfield Armor
- Fab Melo's Record-Setting Night Not Enough as Red Claws Fall - Maine Celtics
- Suns Recall Marshall from Bakersfield - Bakersfield Jam
- Grizzlies Recall Josh Selby from Reno Bighorns - Reno Bighorns
- Rockets Recall Machado from the Vipers - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Celtics Assign Joseph to Maine Red Claws - Maine Celtics
- Boston Celtics Re-Assign Kris Joseph to NBA D-League Affiliate Maine Red Claws - G League
- Nets Recall Shengelia and Taylor - Springfield Armor
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
