L.I. Nets clinch playoff berth

The Long Island Nets (19-14), the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, defeated the Grand Rapids Gold (11-21), 127-94, on March 26 at Nassau Coliseum. Long Island clinched its fourth playoff berth in franchise history with the victory.

Eight Nets scored in double figures in the win, including forward Davion Warren, who posted a career-high 33 points to go along with eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in 33 minutes. Forward Kaiser Gates tallied 20 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal in 29 minutes. Guard Kyler Edwards recorded 16 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 36 minutes. Center Patrick Gardner added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in addition to one block in 22 minutes. Center David Muoka also tallied a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds to go along with one assist, one steal and six blocks in 25 minutes. Forwards Nate Pierre-Louis, Kameron Hankerson and Brooklyn two-way guard/forward Jaylen Martin added 10 points each.

The two teams stayed close during the first quarter, tying the match four times. Long Island pushed past Grand Rapids and closed the period ahead by 13, 32-19. The Nets carried their momentum over into the second quarter, outscoring the Gold 31-23 on 52.2 percent shooting from the field. Long Island kept its lead and closed the first half ahead by 21, 63-42.

The Nets’ offense dominated in the third quarter, led by Long Island forward Davion Warren’s 18-point effort.  Long Island outscored Grand Rapids 40-26 in the period on 62.5 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from deep to close the quarter ahead by 35, 103-68. Grand Rapids battled hard in the fourth, outscoring the Nets 26-24 in the period. Despite Grand Rapids’ efforts, Long Island went on to defeat the Gold by 33, 127-94.

Grand Rapids forward Walter Ellis posted 19 points, five rebounds and one assist in 26 minutes. Gold guard Souley Boum recorded 16 points, six rebounds, nine assists and one steal in 42 minutes.