Cleveland Charge defeats Windy City Bulls with total team effort
With every passing home game it seems that a formula has emerged. Each game has a different player putting on the cape and becoming the hero. This season truly has become a team effort as the Cleveland Charge keeps rolling up the victories.
Last evening the Cleveland Charge (11-4) defeated a determined and physical Windy City Bulls (8-5), 114-108. The win is Cleveland’s fifth straight as they are undefeated on their home court with eight victories. This win qualifies the Cleveland Charge for the 2022 NBA G League Showcase Cup in Las Vegas.
Early on, Cleveland seemed to have trouble putting a handle on the ball as they fell victim to numerous steals and intercepted passes. The team eventually settled down and working with the coaching staff came up with a successful strategy. Windy City had the “yips” at the free throw line that would have made it a much closer contest.
Cleveland Charge player of the game Sharife Cooper set a new franchise record by recording 17 assists and 30 points in 38 minutes of playing time. Cooper leads the NBA G League in scoring with a game average of 25.1 points per game. Mamadi Diakite was hot with 23 points and six rebounds in 32 minutes. Sam Merrill dive-bombed 7-of-8 three pointer attempts scoring 21 points in 34 minutes. Nate Hinton contributed with 12 points, five boards and three steals in 37 minutes.
On the Windy City end of the court it was Carlik Jones scoring a game high 36 points on 10-of-14 shooting adding six rebounds, eight assists and five steals in 39 minutes. Ethan Thompson contributed 19 points as well as three steals in 36 minutes on the court. Malcolm Hill was good for 17 points, five assists and three steals in 37 minutes. Kostas Antetokounmpo hit a double figure of 12 points along with Marko Simonovic with his 13 points.
The Cleveland Charge goes on the road for a visit with the Iowas Wolves (Minnesota Timberwolves) at their home court this Thursday, December 15th at 8:00 p.m. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+ or listen live on the NEO Sports Radio on the iHeartRadio mobile app.
The next scheduled home game is set for December 28, 2022 with tip-off at 7:00 p.m. as the Cleveland Charge entertains the Grand Rapids Gold at the Cleveland State Wolstein Center in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It’s Space Jam Night sponsored by Nuevo with replica Space Jam jerseys going to the first 1,000 fans. Tickets start at just $5.00. For more information and tickets go to https://cleveland.gleague.nba.com/