The Cleveland Charge wins inaugural NBA G League Ignite game

One of the biggest crowds to gather this season witnessed the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League, presented by Cleveland Clinic, defeat the NBA G League Ignite team (made up of the top players in the G League) by a final score of 96-92 in the inaugural NBA G League Next Gem Game. The game was part of the 2022 NBA All Star Weekend that took place in Cleveland, Ohio. The Next Gem Game is an opportunity to showcase some of the top young players in the NBA G League as part of the NBA 75th Anniversary “Diamond” season.

Th first quarter was hard fought as both teams sought out an advantage. It was then that the Ignite jumped to a 16 point lead in just seven minutes of playing time. Newman hit for a three sparking the Charge to a 12-0 run in just two minutes as the teams took a mid game break with the Charge down by just four points. The second half saw 11 lead changes as both teams got physical under the basket. It took a three pointer by Tre Scott after an assist by Newman at the two minute mark in the fourth quarter to take the lead which they held to the end.

It was Malik Newman who led all scorers with 30 points in 32 minutes of play as he hit for 50% from the floor along with grabbing six rebounds and three assists. Justin James was next with 17 points combined with six boards and three assists. Tacko Fall earned a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards with three blocks in 26 minutes of action. RJ Nembhard (Two-Way Player) had 12 points with eight rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes.

For the Ignite it was Jalen Hardy scoring 20 points and four boards with two assists. Dyson Daniels earned a double-double of his own with 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in 37 minutes of play. Scott Henderson came off the bench to score 13 points and snatch seven rebounds in 29 minutes.

The Cleveland Charge is home this next Wednesday, February 23, 2022 as they battle the Forty Wayne Mad Ants. Tip off is at 6 p.m. Tickets start at just $5. To purchase tickets go to https://seatgeek.com/cleveland-charge-tickets or call (216) 420-2730.