The scene is what you would think from a city proud of its heritage. With a Go-Go style national anthem along with plenty of the genre that defines the city, during the game. “The crowd was electric,” said Go-Go head coach Jarell Christian.
Unfortunately, for the Go-Go, they would open their inaugural game with a 107-105 overtime loss to the Greensboro Storm.
For those looking for trivia answers, Lavoy Allen’s three pointer was the first points in franchise history.
After a quick start, the Go-Go struggled on both ends of the floor. The Swarm ended the first quarter on an 11-4 run for a 24-19 lead after one.
Then the Go-Go hit their stride in the second quarter. Devin Robinson (Two-Way) player had multiple rim rocking dunks and led the home team on an 18-2 run to end the first half. The run gave the Go-Go their biggest lead of the half at 13.
The Swarm got out quickly in the third quarter and eventually took the lead before the quarter ended up being back and forth affair. Down one with 7 seconds left Tiwian Kendley ended the half with a dunk giving the Go-Go a 73-72 lead after three.
The Go-Go took what look like a comfortable lead in the fourth but turnovers allowed to get the Swarm back in the game. JP Macura free throws with 11.7 seconds left tied it. The Go-Go turned the ball over and their last possession of regulation.
Overtime in the NBA G-League is a two minute affair.
Devonte Graham took full advantage of the additional 120 seconds. He hit back to back jumpers giving the Swarm an early four point lead in overtime. Graham scored seven points in overtime. “He’s a special player, said Christian. He plays with a lot of pace and that’s kind of his whole thing”.
The Go-Go fought back and had a chance at then end. But Robinson’s inbounds pass went awry and the Storm held on for the win. “We have to be better in those situations,” said Christian.
Notes:
- Attendance: 2,383
- Chasson Randle led the team in scoring with 34 points.
- Go-Go next game is November 8th at Long Island Nets.
