Mad Ants Defeat the Gold 131-127
Published on December 15, 2021 under 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.
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