Fort Worth hands Thunderbirds first home loss
Published on December 24, 2005 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
The Albuquerque Thunderbirds fall to 7-4 on the season after being dominated by the Ft. Worth Flyers 106-85 at Tingley Coliseum on Friday night. The win moves the Flyers to 7-3 on the year.
Ft. Worth jumped out quickly grabbing a 17-6 lead six minutes into the game, and was able to maintain a 13 point lead after one quarter, with the help of Brandon Robinson's ten points. Robinson ended up scoring 16 points on the night. Ft. Worth continued to control the game forming a twenty point lead in the second quarter and went into the half with a commanding 57-40 lead.
The third quarter was much of the same as the Flyers controlled both sides of the ball and led 81-56 heading to the final quarter of play. The Thunderbirds made a slight push in the fourth by cutting the lead to 17 points, but it was too little too late as Ft. Worth earned an early Christmas present and momentum heading into Monday's game.
"This was one of our best performances," said Ft. Worth head coach Sam Vincent. " We shot the ball well and did good things."
The Thunderbirds were led by Joe Shipp who turned in a game high 24 points and ten rebounds. Tony Bland followed closely with 18 points and TJ Cummings added 12 on the night.
High scorers for the Flyers included Kelenna Azubuike (21 points), Brandon Robinson (16 points), Vonteego Cummings (13 points).
The Thunderbirds look to get back on the winning track December 26th against the same Ft. Worth Flyers at Tingley Coliseum. Tipoff is 7 p.m.
Thunderbirds tickets start as low as $9 and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com or at Ticketmaster locations. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Fayetteville Patriots (N.C.), Florida Flame (Ft. Myers), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Roanoke Dazzle (Va.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).
The D-League offers players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA's umbrella. Thirty-four (34) players have been called up to the NBA on 50 separate occasions. Eleven (11) former D-League coaches, six athletic trainers, 14 referees and 30 front office executives have also been called up since the start of the league's inaugural season in November 2001.
Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the league also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. The D-League is a source of on-court talent for the NBA's 30 teams and is a diverse human resources pool for the NBA and its teams by training employees in management, operations, public relations, sales and marketing positions.
For more information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
NBA G League Stories from December 24, 2005
- D-League daily developments - G League
- Fort Worth hands Thunderbirds first home loss - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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