Grand Rapids defeat L.I. Nets

The Long Island Nets (11-11), the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, were defeated by the Grand Rapids Gold (10-13), 101-92, on Thursday evening at Nassau Coliseum during the team’s annual Black History Month game.

Long Island guard Kennedy Chandler recorded 23 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in 34 minutes. While on assignment with Long Island, Brooklyn center Noah Clowney added 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and five blocks in 35 minutes. Brooklyn two-way guard/forward Jaylen Martin posted 11 points, three rebounds and one steal in 19 minutes.

The Nets found their groove early in the first quarter, going on a 10-1 run while shooting 45.5 percent from the field. Long Island closed the period ahead by two, 26-24. Grand Rapids worked hard to even the score, but Long Island kept its foot on the gas. The Nets outscored the Gold 23-18 in the period and closed the first half ahead by seven, 49-42.

Grand Rapids battled hard in the third quarter, outscoring Long Island 25-23 in the period. Despite the Gold’s efforts, the Nets kept their lead and closed the quarter ahead by five, 72-67. Grand Rapids’ offense snuck past the Nets in the fourth quarter, outscoring Long Island 34-20 on 64.7 percent shooting from the field and 57.1 percent from deep. The Gold went on take the lead and defeat the Nets by nine, 101-92.

Grand Rapids forward Jamorko Pickett posted a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds to go along with two assists in 38 minutes. Gold guard Armaan Franklin tallied 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block in 30 minutes.