G League Grand Rapids Gold

Mad Ants Defeat the Gold 131-127

December 15, 2021 - NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Gold News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Gold (5-6) fell to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (8-4) after an intense seesaw battle that resulted in 15 lead changes and 9 ties, with a final score of 131-127. The Mad Ant's quick hands-on defense -- and ability to protect the ball -- pushed the home team to victory.

Despite the home team's loss, Grand Rapids had huge performances from a handful of players. NBA veteran Isaiah Thomas didn't miss a beat in his NBA G League debut, earning a team-high and game-high 42 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. Lance Stephenson earned the Gold's first triple-double of the season with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Big man Giorgi Bezhanishvili earned another 25 points and 7 rebounds for Grand Rapids. Other Gold players in double digits were Davon Reed (16 pts, 7 rebs, 6 assists) and Nik Stauskas (13 pts, 7 rebs, 6 assists).

Goga Bitadze was a strong force for the Mad Ants, contributing a double-double with 38 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. Gabe York was a sharpshooter for the away team, earning 27 points, on 8-15 shooting from the field and 7-12 from the three, in addition to 3 assists. Keifer Sykes added 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Pacers two-way player Terry Taylor tallied up another team double-double with 10 pts, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists. Other Mad Ants in double digits were Pacers two-way player Duane Washington (12 pts, 5 assists).

Despite an incredible assist from Stauskas to Stephenson on a fast break with less than 50 seconds left, which cut the lead to a one possession game, the Mad Ants reclaimed the momentum to knock down a bucket that was coupled with two free throws to extend the lead.

The Grand Rapids Gold will enjoy a break before heading off to Mississauga, ON, to face off with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, December 28. Tip-off is at 4 p.m. EST. Watch live on NBAGLeague.com.

Check out the Grand Rapids Gold Statistics



NBA G League Stories from December 15, 2021


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.

OurSports Central