Cleveland Charge falls short after valiant effort against Capital City Go-Go

It was cold outside the Wolstein Center in downtown Cleveland, Ohio and inside it was not much better as the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League, presented by Cleveland Clinic fell to the Capital City Go-Go by a score of 106-95. The game was the first contest for the club to begin the regular season portion of the NBA G League schedule.

From tip-off to final buzzer the Go-Go led the game for the most part in double digits. It wasn’t that the Charge lacked enthusiastic play it was just one of those nights when the basketball had a mind of its own.

Justin James returned from a call-up with the New Orleans Pelicans to be lead scorer with 27 points, five rebounds and two steals. James was followed by Malik Newman with 22 points, five boards and two assists. Tre Scott dominated in the paint with a game high 12 rebounds along with 8 points in 33 minutes on the court. Josh Huestis finished up the double digit scoring with 12 points and six boards as he hit 50% from the floor.

With the Go-Go it was Jaime Echenique scoring 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting with nine rebounds in 34 minutes. Jordan Schakel added 20 points and seven boards in 38 minutes of play. Overall Capital City was able to hit on a number of high percentage situations as they scored 68 of their 106 points in the paint.

The game was a tribute to nationally known Cleveland Hip-Hop group Bone Thugs with special T-shirts given out to the fans. The jerseys worn by the team were also in the black and white motif and have been put up for auction to benefit the Spread The Love Foundation which is a local nonprofit organization founded by Krayzie Bone. The mission of the foundation is to create career paths and cultural equity through the arts for the youth and young adults of Cleveland, Ohio. Also being auctioned off are Charge players jerseys worn by Tacko Fall, Justin James, RJ Nembhard and Malik Newman. Bidding will be open until 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, 2022. To place your bids go to https://web.dashapp.io/auction/61d47efd5196440b118f9918.

The Cleveland Charge is on the road for a game against the Grand Rapids Gold (Denver Nuggets) set for Saturday, January 8, 2021 with 7 p.m. tip-off. The game will be streamed at www.clevelandcharge.com or you can listen on the radio with REAL 106.1 FM.

The next home game will be Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 6 p.m. with tickets starting for as low as $5.