G League Maine Celtics

McRae's 54 Points Sinks Maine

Published on January 18, 2019 under NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release


Washington, DC - The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, had a big early lead, but gave up a record-setting performance to Washington Wizards Two-Way Player Jordan McRae, falling at Capital City tonight, 118-107.

Maine (8-18) was led by Boston Celtics Two-Way Player P.J. Dozier, who finished with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Justin Bibbs added 22 points, while Andrew White scored 21 points. Archie Goodwin led the bench with 10 points.

McRae carried Capital City (15-10) with 54 points, shattering the record for most points scored by a Red Claws opponent. The previous record was 49 points, set by Manny Harris two seasons ago. McRae scored his 54 in just 38 minutes on 18-31 shooting, including 5-9 from three-point range and 13-14 from the free throw line.

The Red Claws opened the game on an 8-0 run, with White knocking in two of his first three three-pointers. The barrage continued - with White knocking in another trey and Maine making 5 of its first 7 threes, taking a 17-2 lead. Capital City started the game shooting just 3-14 from the field, as the Claws led by 11. Goodwin and Bibbs scored on back-to-back possessions, putting Maine up 27-10. Wizards Two-Way Player Jordan McRae dropped in a three late in the quarter, but Maine led 31-20 after 1.

The Go-Go opened the 2nd with two quick buckets, but Dallas Lauderdale's lay-up stopped the mini run. Hunter buried his first bucket, a long three, to make it 41-28 Red Claws. The Go-Go would close it back to 11 with a Chris Chiozza driving lay-up. McRae's steal and score made it a 9 point game at 48-39. Goodwin and Brown righted the ship before McRae and Capital City went on a 9-0 run to cut it to 55-50. Chiozza's bucket in the closing seconds capped off a 14-2 run for the Go-Go, making it just a 57-55 Red Claws lead at halftime. White led Maine with 14 points at the break, while McRae was 9-16 from the floor for 26 points in the first half alone.

The 2nd half started with McRae immediately scoring to tie the game at 57. Noah Allen knocked in a three to give Capital City its first lead, and McRae's three made it 65-64 Go-Go. Dozier's drive gave Maine the lead back. McRae's three-point play gave him 36 on the night. McRae continued to score at will, getting to 42 points and a 81-74 Capital City lead. Kellen Dunham's dunk helped give Capital City an 87-81 lead after 3. Maine was out-scored 32-24 in the 3rd quarter.

The Red Claws went on a quick 5-0 run to get back within 4 points. McRae's three-point play extended the Go-Go lead to 95-85. Bibbs answered with two quick baskets. Dozier's put-back and a White three cut it to 101-99. The Go-Go exploded for a quick 7-0 run to make it a 9 point lead. McRae crossed 50 points, then buried another three to lead Capital City on a 15-2 run to extend the lead to 15, putting the game away.

Maine shot 48% (42-87) from the field, 39% (13-33) from three-point range, and 10-16 from the free throw line. Capital City shot 43% (39-90) from the floor, 34% (11-32) from downtown, and 29-33 from the charity stripe.

The Red Claws return to action tomorrow night at Canton. Maine returns home next Thursday. Tickets are on sale now by calling 207-210-6655 or visiting MaineRedClaws.com.

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NBA G League Stories from January 18, 2019


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