L.I. Nets defeat Grand Rapids

The Long Island Nets (7-3), the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, defeated the Grand Rapids Gold (2-6) 96-85 on Saturday evening during the team’s annual affiliate night game.

Brooklyn two-way guard David Duke Jr. tallied 28 points, five rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes. Long Island forward Jordan Bowden posted 17 points and three assists in 32 minutes. Brooklyn two-way guard Dru Smith recorded 13 points, two rebounds, six assists and one block in 32 minutes in his first game with Long Island this season. Brooklyn assignee Day’Ron Sharpe notched his fourth consecutive double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes while on assignment with Long Island.

The two teams went back-and-forth to start the first quarter of the game. Long Island pulled away by two to end the quarter ahead, 27-25. Long Island outrebounded Grand Rapids 18-12 and outscored the Gold 22-20 in the second quarter. The Nets went into halftime up by four, 49-45.

Grand Rapids looked to battle back in the third quarter, but the Nets kept their foot on the gas. Long Island continued to outscore the Gold 22-19 and closed the quarter ahead by seven, 71-64. The Nets’ momentum continued into the final quarter, while Grand Rapids struggled on both sides of the ball. Long Island went on to defeat Grand Rapids by 11, 96-85.

Grand Rapids guard Jared Butler tallied 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in 34 minutes. Gold forward Adonis Arms recorded 19 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three steals in 35 minutes.

Long Island will face Grand Rapids at home again during the Nets’ annual MLK Day game on Monday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m.