Hustle Drop Close Game to G League Ignite
February 24, 2021 - NBA G League (G League)
Memphis Hustle News Release
Kissimmee, Fla. - The Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies' NBA G League affiliate, fell 104-101 to G League Ignite inside AdventHealth Arena on Wednesday afternoon.
The Ignite squad jumped out to a quick lead following a basket from Donta Hall to put the Hustle in a 12-4 hole to start the game. Bennie Boatwright kept the Hustle within striking distance with eight of his 21 points coming in the first nine minutes of action. The two teams were locked at 24 points apiece heading into the second quarter before Memphis grabbed control of the game with a strong shooting performance in the second quarter. Memphis shot 48 percent from the field and knocked down 5 of their 12 3-point attempts while stretching their lead to as many as 12 points. Boatwright connected on four 3-pointers in the first half, helping Memphis to a 57-46 halftime advantage.
Memphis led 71-59 following a floater from Tyrell Terry with 6:31 to play in the third quarter. Following Terry's basket, Ignite ripped off an 11-0 run to trim the lead to just one point at 71-70. The Hustle eventually settled for an 81-78 lead heading into the final quarter after being out-scored 32-34 in the third. Both teams traded baskets to start the fourth quarter while Memphis found themselves up 91-90 with 5:37 to play in the game. The Hustle stepped to the free-throw line down one point (102-101) with 35.1 seconds remaining but were unable to convert to tie the game. The Hustle had one last shot to tie the game after the Ignite knocked down to free-throws, but their 3-point attempt fell short as the game ended 104-101.
Boatwright finished with a team-high 21 points (7-15 FG, 5-13 3P), eight rebounds and an assist in 26 minutes. Terry added 19 points, three assists and two rebounds on 9-of-18 shooting. Jontay Porter pitched in 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks in 18 minutes off the bench. Shaq Buchanan totaled 11 points, five rebounds and two assists as Memphis fell to (3-6).
Veteran point guard Jarrett Jack led all scorers with 22 points (9-of-18 FG), four rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes. Jonathan Kuminga added 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists on 5-of-11 shooting. Daishen Nix totaled 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists to help Ignite move to (6-3) on the season.
The Hustle return to action tomorrow, Feb. 25, against Dusty Hannahs and the Santa Cruz Warriors at 2 p.m. CT inside AdventHealth Arena. Fans can watch the game on ESPN2.
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