Maine Celtics Unleash Offensive Firepower to Rout Cleveland Charge, Securing 108-88 Victory
PORTLAND, Maine – In a captivating display of offensive prowess, the Maine Celtics dominated the Cleveland Charge, securing a resounding 108-88 victory at the Portland Exposition Building. This triumph marked only the second time this season that the Celtics held an opponent below 90 points, showcasing their defensive resilience.
DJ Steward Leads the Charge with Dynamic Performance
DJ Steward emerged as the catalyst for Maine’s offensive explosion, leading the team with a remarkable 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. His shooting accuracy was equally impressive, as he connected on 10 of his 17 field goal attempts and drained 5 of his 9 three-point shots. Steward’s all-around performance set the tone for the Celtics’ offensive dominance.
JD Davison and Drew Peterson Provide Scoring Support
JD Davison and Drew Peterson provided invaluable support to Steward, contributing 22 points and 16 points, respectively. Davison also added 5 rebounds and 7 assists to his stat line, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking ability. Peterson’s 8 rebounds and 4 assists further solidified his presence on both ends of the court.
James Banks III and Jordan Walsh Contribute to the Victory
James Banks III and Jordan Walsh made significant contributions to the Celtics’ victory, each recording 12 points. Banks III’s 8 rebounds showcased his ability to crash the boards and create second-chance opportunities, while Walsh’s 7 rebounds and 4 assists highlighted his all-around contributions.
Cleveland Charge Struggle to Keep Pace
Despite Sharife Cooper’s valiant effort for the Charge, scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, the team struggled to keep pace with the Celtics’ offensive onslaught. Zhaire Smith added 19 points, and Justin Powell contributed 16 points, but their efforts were not enough to overcome Maine’s superior performance.
Maine Celtics Dictate the Tempo from the Opening Tip
From the game’s outset, the Maine Celtics seized control of the tempo, establishing a 12-8 lead early in the first quarter. Their balanced scoring attack, coupled with their ability to force the Charge into 0-8 shooting from beyond the arc, set the stage for their eventual victory.
Cleveland’s Resurgence in the Second Quarter Falls Short
The Charge showed signs of life in the second quarter, embarking on a 9-2 run to briefly take the lead. However, the Celtics responded swiftly, regaining the advantage and maintaining a four-point lead heading into halftime.
Third Quarter Surge Propels Maine Celtics to Victory
The third quarter proved to be the turning point of the game, as the Celtics unleashed an unstoppable offensive barrage. JD Davison ignited the rally, scoring eight unanswered points in the closing seconds of the quarter, capped off by a buzzer-beating jumper. This surge gave Maine an 11-point lead heading into the final period.
Maine Celtics Maintain Dominance in the Fourth Quarter
The Celtics carried their momentum into the fourth quarter, extending their lead to a commanding 20-point advantage. DJ Steward closed out the game in style, pouring in 10 points in the final frame to seal the victory for Maine.
Upcoming Schedule for Maine Celtics
The Maine Celtics will conclude their seven-game homestand with the second game of their back-to-back series against the Cleveland Charge on January 11th. They will then travel to Mississauga, Ontario, for a back-to-back matchup with Raptors 905 on January 30th and 31st. The Celtics will return home on February 2nd to face the Grand Rapids Gold, aiming to continue their winning ways.
Don’t miss out on the electrifying atmosphere of Maine Celtics home games! Secure your tickets today and witness the team’s exciting brand of basketball firsthand.