Cleveland- There are games. And then, there are GAMES!! The Long Island Nets were “charged” by the Charge. The Cleveland Charge completed a 24-point comeback to win 122-115. It was a tale of two halves as the Nets did what they wanted in the first half shooting 49% from the floor, and 43% from three.
The Charge started slowly like they have done so many times before. The Nets raced out to an 11-3 lead and coach Mike Gerrity called time out. When asked about the slow starts this team has become known for, coach said “I can’t put my finger on it. I talk to the guys about setting the tone and making them feel us but…” the Nets did not feel the Charge early on as they raced out to an 18-point first half lead and never really let the Charge get anything going. The Charge shot 34% from the floor and 22% from three. It seemed as if it was going to be another home loss and a costly loss with the end of the regular season right around the corner. But the second half was a different team.
Photo by David Chopcinski
The second half started out much like the first half went. The Nets built their lead up to as many as 24 points and the Charge still couldn’t hit shots or get stops. And then, coach G subbed in an unlikely hero. Blake Francis played the final 20 minutes of the game.
BLAKE#ChargeUp pic.twitter.com/aO0o4UVgDl
— Cleveland Charge (@ChargeCLE) March 17, 2023
After not playing in the first half, Francis’ number was called when star point guard Sharife Cooper got his fourth foul. Down by 24, it seemed that Coopers night was over, and Francis would get the bulk of the minutes in garbage time. However, coach was looking for a spark. And Francis provided the spark.
Playing a lineup of Mobley, Francis, Sam Merrill, Chandler Vaudrin, and Nate Hinton, the Charge started playing well and walking the lead down. Ending the third quarter, and down 100-82, that lineup came out to start the fourth quarter. They did not come out of the game as suddenly Mobley, Francis, and Merrill, scored. Hinton and Vaudrin played exceptional defense and did the little things you need to win games.
Mobley was especially dominant as he scored 12 points and added 5 rebounds to bring his game totals to 26 and 15 in what felt even more dominant than that. Francis scored 14 of his 26 in the fourth, Merrill scored 10 of his 20 in the fourth and Nate Hinton scored 2 of his 9 in the fourth but the two he hit was the go-ahead bucket.
HOLY NATE#ChargeUp pic.twitter.com/KKldW14RTt
— Cleveland Charge (@ChargeCLE) March 18, 2023
The Charge outscored the Nets 40-15 in the final period as they used inside and outside to perfection and really tightened up on defense.
Speaking with Mobley after the game he said “I don’t know, its March. You know we all love basketball in March.” This game did have a March Madness type feel. Even though this is the NBA G-League, most of these guys are one or two years removed from playing in college. This is the most fun time of year, and you could kind of sense the energy once the Charge started making a comeback. With the crowd behind them, the Charge started their own version of a Cinderella Story as they had a magical night.
Photo by David Chopcinski
Game Notes
Jamorko Picket sat out with a left foot sprain.
Sam Merrill is assigned to the Charge from the Cavs. After signing a multiyear deal with the Cavs, Coach G was excited to talk about Sam and what he means to the Charge. “One of the things we preach is that this is a ‘developmental league’. Our job as coaches is to develop these guys and get them ready for the next level and we couldn’t be happier for Sam. You’re not going to find a better man than Sam Merrill”
Up next
The Charge play the Nets on a back-to-back on Saturday March 18TH AT 7pm. The Charge will be honoring the Cleveland Rockers and the first 1000 fans will receive a t-shirt.
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