Thunderbirds Host First Place Tulsa
January 14, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - The Thunderbirds return home tonight after four consecutive games on the road to take on the Tulsa 66ers.
The T-Birds went 1-1 this past week at the NBA Development League Showcase in South Padre Island, TX. In their win against Texas on Monday, Dar Tucker led the team with 28 points and 10 rebounds as they came back from down 16 points in the first quarter to beat the Legends 95-94. On Tuesday, the Thunderbirds lost by just one point to the Maine Red Claws, 98-97. Shane Edwards had a big game for the T-Birds scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
The Thunderbirds remain one of the best home teams in the D-League. They have won six of their last seven games at home and currently hold a 7-2 record at the Santa Ana Star Center. In the month of December they won all five home games.
Tonight the Thunderbirds will get their first look of the season at the first place Tulsa 66ers, who are winners of eight consecutive games and hold the best record in the league at 16-6. They are led by Cole Aldrich who was assigned to the D-League by Oklahoma City Thunder. Aldrich is current averaging 8.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 54.5% from the floor. He also played in seven NBA games for the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier in the year.
Aldrich was selected by the New Orleans Hornets with the 11th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and then immediately traded to the Thunder. He played three seasons at the University of Kansas and was a part of the 2008 NCAA Championship team, as well as three Big-12 championship teams. His Kansas teams went 55-0 at home during his three years in college. Aldrich was twice named to the All Big-12 first team and was the Big-12 defensive player of the year in 2009 and 2010.
Thunderbirds' season tickets are currently on sale, with full and partial season packages available. Single game tickets are also now available online at www.nmtbirds.com or by calling 505-265-3865. The Thunderbirds also offer family four packs: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 nachos, and 4 drinks for $44.
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