G League Grand Rapids Drive

Thabeet Leads Drive over Mad Ants

Published on March 9, 2015 under NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - Mar. 9 - The Grand Rapids Drive (18-21) came out on top in a hard-fought battle with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (22-20) at home on Monday night, walking away with a 93-90 win.

This was a closely contested game between the division rivals, with neither team ever able to pull away and form a significant lead. There were a whopping 19 lead changes and eight ties over the course of the game.

It was a bit of a defensive battle early, but the Drive entered the half up 48-46. Neither team shot the ball that poorly or turned it over frequently, but the pace of the game was very deliberate.

The Drive got a big contribution from big man Hasheem Thabeet in the first half, as the Connecticut product piled up 14 points, seven rebounds and five blocks before halftime.

CJ Fair had 13 points in the first half to lead Fort Wayne.

The game stayed tight for the entirety of the second half. After a heavily-reviewed foul went in Fort Wayne's favor, they took a one-point lead with just over two minutes remaining. The Drive were able to respond by scoring via the pick-and-roll between Thabeet and the newly acquired Nate Wolters, and then clamped down on defense to secure their first win in five contests.

Thabeet had his best game of the year, finishing with 20 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and blocking seven shots. Kelsey Barlow added 17 with eight rebounds.

Fair led the Mad Ants with 23 points and eight rebounds, and Trey McKinney Jones added 19.

Grand Rapids was most effective with their perimeter defense, limiting the Mad Ants to just one three-pointer in the first half and just 3-of-22 overall.

Fort Wayne will take on the Delaware 87ers at home on March 17 for their next game. The Drive head to Oklahoma City the next day to face off against the Blue.

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NBA G League Stories from March 9, 2015


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