Cleveland Charge drop their sixth straight with loss to Grand Rapids Gold

Let’s be honest. The Cleveland Charge NBS G League basketball team is not bad in some aspects. They do a good job blocking shots, steals, rebounding and passing the ball. In fact all of the games have been very entertaining. Where they seem to lack is the most vital area of all in basketball...scoring. They need a sure handed and dependable scorer from the three point arc who can also hit from mid range.

Last night was another prime example where everything was going great up until the shooting. At the half the Grand Rapids Gold pulled ahead to a 20 point lead (40-60) but the Charge fought back to within six points. Then the Gold went on a tear padding the score by 16 points at the final buzzer. Thus for the second night in a row the Cleveland Charge (1-8) of the NAB G League, presented by Cleveland Clinic, lost. This is their sixth game in a row as the Grand Rapids Gold (7-4) defeated them 98-82 on Saturday night.

It was a large and vocal crowd on hand in order to celebrate Bertman Original Ballpark Mustard with free ball caps to the first 1,000 fans and with the Cleveland Guardians’ own Mustard, Ketchup and Onion on hand to mingle with and entertain the crowd.

As for the game, Cleveland’s R. J. Nembhard was top scorer with 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting added to his seven rebounds in 38 minutes. Tre Scott earned his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds in 41 minutes. Kevin Pangos added eight points, six rebounds and eight assists in 35 minute. Pangos is on assignment from the Cavaliers. Malik Newman and Jawun Evans added 16 and 10 points respectively off the bench.

With the Gold they had each of their five starters scoring in double figures with Petr Cornell earning a double-double with 17 points and 18 boards and two blocks in 37 minutes. Nik Staudkas scored 18 points, grabbed seven rebounds and helped with seven assists in 37 minutes. Trevon Duval scored 17 points and Marcus Burk was good for 16.

The Cleveland Charge were outfitted in Bertman Original Ballpark Mustard inspired jerseys that are available for auction with the proceeds benefiting the Cavaliers Youth Foundation. For more information and to place a bid go to https://web.dashapp.io/auction/61f498cbe4b8eb081022ec12

The next Cleveland Charge game will be against the Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte Hornets affiliate) this coming Tuesday, February 1, 2022 with tip off at 11 a.m. as the Cleveland Charge will be holding their annual School Day Game presented by Act Now! Tickets start at just $5 and can be purchased online at https://seatgeek.com/cleveland-charge-tickets or by calling (216) 420-2730.