Red Claws Spoil Walker's New England Return, 105-99
December 16, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
PORTLAND, ME - The Maine Red Claws (4-6) finally found their shots tonight, hitting for 51.4% and downing the visiting Idaho Stampede (2-9) 105-99, to spoil Antoine Walker's New England return. The Boston Celtics legend and former NBA All-Star had his best game to date, leading both teams with 25 points and eight rebounds in 33 minutes of play.
The two struggling teams played evenly throughout the first quarter, but Red Claw's guard Paul Harris helped change the tempo in the second quarter with a three pointer, bringing the Red Claw's lead to 6 at 40-34. The Red Claws extended the league to 10 with three minutes left in the second, entering the half with the 61-50 upper-hand.
The Red Claws extended their lead in the third quarter with an 8-2 run, only to see Idaho battle back with a 6-0 run of their own, narrowing the gap to 82-71. The Stampede continued their 19-0 stretch into the fourth to go up by two. The Red Claws did not quit, however, with a huge 11-point effort from guard DeShawn Sims in the fourth quarter.
The Red Claws continued to spread out the scoring tonight, with six of nine players contributing double figures. Sims picked up a double-double with 24 points and 17 rebounds, while forward Tiny Gallon returned to his strong play with 16 points after missing two games due to injury. Eugene Spates (14), Jamar Smith (12), Mario West (12), and Champ Oguchi (10) also figured in double digits.
Antoine Walker led all scorers with 25 points, Luke Babbitt scored 15, and forward Luke Jackson contributed 17 to lead Idaho in the losing effort.
STAMPEDE REMATCH ON SUNDAY, FOLLOWING QUICK TRIPS TO SPRINGFIELD: The Red Claws will leave immediately following the game tonight to face conference rival Springfield tomorrow night in Massachusetts. The Stampede will not be far behind the Red Claws, travelling to Springfield for a Saturday match up with the Armor. Both teams will return to Portland for a Sunday evening contest to wrap up their two-game set.
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