Flash Rally To Beat Thunderbirds
December 31, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
Utah Flash News Release
OREM, Utah (Dec. 31, 2009) - On the eve of a new year, the Utah Flash made a second half 20-point comeback to beat the Albuquerque Thunderbirds 105-94 Thursday's game marked only the fourth home game for the Flash, the fewest of any team in the NBA Development League.
"We can be a really strong defensive team when we come together and play well," said Head Coach Brad Jones. "I think tonight we got it together and figured out how to gain the momentum back that we lost in the first half, turning it into a win and a great game."
The first quarter started out with the Flash taking a strong 11-4 lead to start the game. It was the Thunderbird's Shane Edwards who broke the run paving the way for Albuquerque to narrow the gap going on a five-point run of their own to bring the score to 15-14 for the Flash. Utah's Carlos Wheeler countered with a dunk pulling them ahead 17-14. At the end of the quarter Albuquerque led 27-24.
Taking the momentum acquired from the first quarter, the Thunderbirds went on an eight-point run to start the second quarter. Utah could not stop the Thunderbirds' 62 percent field goal percentage and 67 percent three-point game, and trailed at the half 61-48.
The Flash got off to a quick start in the third quarter thanks to nine points from Luke Nevill and contributions from Lee Cummard, Bennett Davis and Donetell Jefferson closing the gap, 74-66 for the Thunderbirds. A foul drawn by Davis and a layup by Jordan Brady got the crowd on its feet, while Greene closed up the third, scoring at the buzzer leaving Utah trailing by one point, 78-77.
An Andre Ingram three-pointer gave Utah the lead to start the fourth quarter. The lead was pushed even further with a dunk from Cummard taking the score to 86-79. The two teams battled back and forth Albuquerque's Edwards closed the gap to 92-87, but a three-point shot from Greene and a dunk by Wheleer put the game away for the Flash.
The Flash were led by Jefferson who recorded a team-high 27 points and six assists. Luke Nevill posted 20 points for the Flash, and Orien Greene notched 17 off the bench. Leading the way for Albuquerque was Carlos Powell with 29 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Kevin Pittsnogle and Chad Toppert each had 20 points for the Thunderbirds.
The Flash and the Thunderbirds will meet again Saturday, Jan. 2nd at 7 p.m. at the McKay Events Center.
NBA G League Stories from December 31, 2009
- Flash Rally To Beat Thunderbirds - Utah Flash
- Thunderbirds Lose To Flash In Utah - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Wizards Down Skyforce On New Year's Eve - Dakota Wizards
- Dakota Wizards Acquire Cheyne Gadson - Dakota Wizards
- Short Handed Energy Fall To Maine 95-88 - Iowa Wolves
- Vipers Waive Dawkins - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Real NBA - NBA D-League Stories On NBA TV - Tulsa 66ers
- Maine Topples League's Top Team 95-88, Ups Record To 9-3 - Maine Celtics
- Bighorns Host Idaho Twice During Holiday Weekend - Reno Bighorns
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Stampede Acquire Former NBA Player Ronell Taylor - Idaho Stampede
- BayHawks Make New Year's Eve Trade - Erie BayHawks
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.
