Thunderbirds' rally comes up short in 86-78 loss to Team China
November 18, 2006 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
MACAU, China, November 18, 2006 - Albuquerque coach Michael Cooper doesn't believe in moral victories, but he does believe in turning points and is pretty sure he witnessed one in the second half of the NBA Development League Thunderbirds' 86-78 exhibition loss to the Chinese National Team at Tashi Gymnasium on Saturday.
Falling behind by nine points after the first quarter and trailing 45-33 at the half, Albuquerque closed China's lead to just four points, 82-78, with 43.7 seconds to play. The T-Birds used a scrambling defense and a flurry of fast break baskets to climb back into the game before eventually losing to the Chinese National Team for the second time in three days.
"We came together in the second half and started to see some team chemistry develop," Cooper said. "We made some adjustments and it was a well played half.
"Give credit to the Chinese National Team," Cooper said. "They are a good basketball team and well coached, but we gave them all they could handle in the second half."
Post player Marcus Douthit and guard Troy Bell sparked the Albuquerque rally. Douthit led Thunderbirds' scorers with 18 points and made several key plays down the stretch despite drawing the assignment of guarding Chinese star Yi Jianlian. Bell scored seven of his nine points in the final 6:42 of the game.
"By the end of the game we had come together as a team, but the game is played in four quarters and not two," Douthit said. "We appreciate the opportunity to come to China and play a good basketball team."
Chen Jianghua scored 21 points to lead four Team China double figure scorers. Yi contributed 16 points, Chu Fangyu 13 and Wang Shipeng 12.
"We are very happy to win a tough game. This was good for us," Team China coach Jonas Kazlauzkas said. "We played bad defense and need much more work on it. There are players fighting for a roster spot who didn't play hard enough tonight."
Albuquerque opens its D-League regular season November 24 at home against the Austin Toros. The T-Birds-Toros matchup is one of five games being played on opening night in the NBA D-League. The Chinese National Team will continue preparations for the Asia Games with an eye on being the host team in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
The NBA Development League includes the Thunderbirds, Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders, Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).
Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit D-LEAGUE.com.
NBA G League Stories from November 18, 2006
- Flyers Celebrate Birthday with Victory - Fort Worth Flyers
- Thunderbirds' rally comes up short in 86-78 loss to Team China - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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