Sports stats

G League NBA G League

Joseph Keys Austin's Comeback Victory over Santa Cruz

January 8, 2013 - NBA G League (G League) News Release


RENO, NEV., Jan. 8, 2013 - One thing fairly evident in the NBA D-League is that games have a tendency to change rather sporadically and unexpectedly. A team's momentum can die instantaneously. Sometimes it's difficult to track down the reason, but on Tuesday at the 2013 NBA D-League Showcase, it wasn't difficult to find answers at all.

Corey Joseph, on assignment from the San Antonio Spurs led the Austin Toros to a masterful, 96-78 victory over the San Cruz Warriors, whose record moved to 9-5 following the loss. Joseph, gave everybody a glimpse of his capabilities and showed plenty of promise. A noticeable presence on the floor, Joseph had 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting to go along with, four rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Joseph is a prime example of what the NBA D-League is all about. Instead of being stuck with limited playing time in San Antonio, the Spurs have made the most of their hybrid affiliation with the Toros. Joseph has been shipped back and forth from the big squad several times this season, something that is becoming more evident around the league. He has been able to stay in game shape, improve his game and gain the experience necessary to help San Antonio when called upon.

As the first-half concluded, Austin found themselves trailing 53-35 as they had no answers for Taylor Griffin and the other weapons Santa Cruz brings to the table.

The backbone of this Santa Cruz team is certainly Stefhon Hannah and Travis Leslie. Hannah was the 2011-12 Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA D-League and Leslie entered the Showcase as the team's leading scorer (16.2 ppg.) and rebounder (7.8 rpg.) and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed as he was named NBA D-League Player of the Month for Nov/Dec.

Griffin, now in his second season with the franchise has exemplified an improved game this season. The older brother of NBA All-Star, Blake Griffin was selected 48th overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Statistically he is improved in every category and most noticeably in points and rebounds. He is averaging 11.9 ppg. and 7.1 rpg. compared to the 6.2 ppg. and 4.5 rpg. from last season. On Tuesday, he finished with 17 points and seven rebounds.

As Joseph was leading Austin to an eventual comeback, Leslie went down with a lower body injury as things began to unravel for Santa Cruz. Taylor Wilkerson tipped a ball in, to give Austin a 70-69 lead as they outscored the Warriors 37-16 in the third quarter.

Toros's center, Rick Jackson had a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds to compliment the comeback win. Both teams will return to action in Reno on Thursday.

Check out the NBA G League Statistics



NBA G League Stories from January 8, 2013


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.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central