Huge Comeback Lifts Claws to High-Scoring Victory
Published on February 25, 2016 under NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
Portland, ME - The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, used a 20-6 run in the final 5:51 of the fourth quarter to come from behind and take their fourth straight decision against the Delaware 87ers on Thursday night at the Portland Expo Building, 138-131. The 138 points is the highest the Red Claws have ever scored at home, eclipsing the previous high of 137 they scored on 1/3/15, also against the 87ers.
The Red Claws (21-14) got off to a hot start, pouring in 38 points in the first quarter on 61% (14-23) shooting. Leading the way were Corey Walden (10), Coty Clarke (8) and Malcolm Miller (7). The 87ers (17-19) shot 52.2% from the field (12-23) including six apiece from Rodney Carney, Sam Thompson and Christian Wood for 33 of their own.
The visitors took over the game in the second quarter, with number one prospect Sean Kilpatrick scoring 12 points on 5-6 shooting, Russ Smith added eight as Delaware poured in 38 of their own on 55% shooting (16-29) while holding the Red Claws to 25 points on 33.3% shooting (9-27). Clarke (13) filled the cup for Maine and Omari Johnson added nine, but the visitors took a 71-63 lead into the locker room.
The Red Claws came within one point of their all-time high for a third quarter, putting up 41 points on 16-31 shooting, with 11 from Levi Randolph, seven apiece from James Young, who is on assignment from the Boston Celtics, and Davion Berry, and six from Walden. Jordan McRae, who returned tonight from consecutive call-ups from the Phoenix Suns, scored 14 in the quarter for Delaware, who chipped in 35 of their own on 14-25 shooting to keep their lead heading into the final frame, 106-104.
In the fourth, the Red Claws scored the first five to open up a 109-106 lead, but the teams traded baskets for a while before Kilpatrick scored seven of nine in a 9-3 run to open up a 125-118 lead. That is when Maine took over, as Young kicked off the 20-6 run that closed out the game and give the Red Claws their eighth win in their last 10 games and fourth over the 87ers in February.
The 87ers were led by McRae, who threw in 27 points and added seven rebounds, seven assists two steals and two blocks. Kilpatrick (22), Smith (19 points, 15 assists, eight rebounds), Wood (14 points, two blocks), Earl Clark (12 points, 11 rebounds), Carney (12) and Thompson (11) rounded out the Delaware players in double figures.
Clarke (31 points, 11 rebounds) led all scorers, while Johnson (22 points, nine rebounds), Walden (18 points, five assists), Randolph (18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists), Young (14 points, eight rebounds, two blocks), Berry (12 points, six assists) and Miller (11 points, three blocks) and Andre Stringer (nine points, six assists) paced the Red Claws win.
The Red Claws are back at home on Saturday night against the league leading Sioux Falls Skyforce. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM. The 87ers return to Wilmington tomorrow night to host Raptors 905. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM.
NBA G League Stories from February 25, 2016
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- Huge Comeback Lifts Claws to High-Scoring Victory - Maine Celtics
- Westchester Knicks Nip Mad Ants in Road Win - Westchester Knicks
- Legends Acquire Deng Deng - Texas Legends
- Kings Re-Assign Duje Dukan to Reno - Reno Bighorns
- Memphis Grizzlies Re-Assign Jarell Martin to the Iowa Energy - Iowa Wolves
- Boston Celtics Assign James Young to the Maine Red Claws - Maine Celtics
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