Ignite Falls to Cleveland in Winter Showcase Opener, 100-88
December 20, 2023 - NBA G League (G League)
NBA G League Ignite News Release
ORLANDO, FL - NBA G League Ignite (4-11) fell to the Cleveland Charge (6-9), 100-88, in its first game of the G League Winter Showcase on Wednesday at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
Norris Cole and John Jenkins led the way for Ignite after recording 15 points apiece. Cole added five assists, while Jenkins tallied three assists and two steals. Tyler Smith finished with a final stat line of 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals on 5-of-10 shooting from the field. Izan Almansa contributed 10 points and four rebounds.
Pete Nance paced the Charge after notching a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds on 10-of-12 shooting from the field. Zhaire Smith followed behind with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Rob Edwards came off the bench to provide 20 points and eight rebounds.
Ignite opened the game on a 10-0 run after a hot start from the field and held the lead for the remainder of the frame. Ignite shot 62.5 percent from the field, including 50 percent from the three-point line in the opening quarter to take a six-point lead. The Charge responded in the second quarter to take its first lead (52-51) of the game towards the end of the period after a late three-pointer. Pete Nance paved the way for the Charge's comeback after recording 20 of his 24 points in the first half on 8-of-9 shooting from the field in that span. The tightly contested matchup continued throughout the third quarter, as Ignite trailed by six points heading into the fourth quarter after Aleem Ford, of the Charge, poured in all of his 15 points in the fame. Trailing 87-82 with 7:30 remaining in regulation, Ignite was held scoreless for the next five minutes and 35 seconds as the Charge scored nine consecutive points in that span to take a 14-point lead and coasted to the victory.
NEXT UP
Ignite will close out the Winter Showcase against the Grand Rapids Gold on Thursday, Dec. 21, tipping off at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. Coverage will be available on ESPN2.
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