Maine Celtics Secure Convincing Win Over Cleveland Charge, Dominating Second Half for 108-88 Victory
A Night of Offensive Dominance and Stifling Defense
Portland, Maine (January 24, 2024) – The Maine Celtics put on a dazzling display of offensive prowess, securing a resounding 108-88 victory over the Cleveland Charge at the Portland Exposition Building on Tuesday night. This triumph marked only the second time this season that the Celtics held an opponent below 90 points, showcasing their defensive prowess.
DJ Steward Leads the Charge for Maine’s Offensive Onslaught
DJ Steward emerged as the driving force behind Maine’s offensive dominance, tallying a team-high 25 points, while also contributing five rebounds and six assists. His impressive shooting performance included an efficient 10-of-17 from the field and a sharpshooting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.
JD Davison and Drew Peterson Join the Scoring Party
JD Davison joined Steward in the scoring spotlight, contributing 22 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. His all-around performance showcased his ability to impact the game in multiple facets. Drew Peterson also made significant contributions, notching 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, demonstrating his versatility on both ends of the court.
James Banks III and Jordan Walsh Provide Solid Support
James Banks III and Jordan Walsh provided valuable support to the Celtics’ scoring efforts. Banks III chipped in with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Walsh added 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Their contributions off the bench proved crucial in maintaining Maine’s momentum throughout the game.
Sharife Cooper Leads Cleveland’s Scoring, But Team Struggles to Keep Pace
Sharife Cooper led the Cleveland Charge in scoring with 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Zhaire Smith also contributed 19 points, and Justin Powell added 16 points. However, despite their individual efforts, the Charge struggled to keep pace with Maine’s offensive firepower.
Maine’s Stifling Defense Shuts Down Cleveland
The Maine Celtics’ defense played a pivotal role in their victory, holding the Cleveland Charge to a mere 88 points. This marked only the second time this season that an opponent was held under 90 points, highlighting the Celtics’ defensive prowess.
First Half Highlights: Maine’s Balanced Scoring vs. Cleveland’s Smith and Cooper
The first half showcased Maine’s balanced scoring attack, with multiple players contributing to the team’s 27-20 lead after the first quarter. James Banks III led the way with eight points, while Zhaire Smith and Sharife Cooper combined for 14 points for Cleveland.
Second Half Dominance: Davison’s Late-Quarter Heroics and Maine’s Unstoppable Momentum
The second half was dominated by the Maine Celtics, who outscored Cleveland 61-45. JD Davison took center stage in the closing seconds of the third quarter, scoring eight unanswered points, culminating in a buzzer-beating baseline jumper. This surge gave Maine an 11-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Steward Seals the Victory with Decisive Scoring
The Celtics maintained their momentum in the final quarter, with DJ Steward pouring in 10 points to help seal the victory. Maine’s lead hovered around 20 points during crunch time, as they cruised to a commanding 108-88 win.
Upcoming Schedule: Back-to-Back against Charge, Road Trip to Mississauga, and Home Matchup with Gold
The Maine Celtics will complete their seven-game homestand with the second game of a back-to-back against the Cleveland Charge on Wednesday evening. Following this, they will embark on a road trip to Mississauga, Ontario, for a back-to-back series with Raptors 905 on January 30 and 31. Upon their return home, the Celtics will face the Grand Rapids Gold on February 2.
Witness the Maine Celtics’ Triumphant Journey: Get Your Tickets Now!
Don’t miss your chance to witness the Maine Celtics’ captivating performances live. Secure your tickets today and experience the electrifying atmosphere at the Portland Exposition Building. Be part of the Celtics’ journey as they strive for greatness in the NBA G League.