The Long Island Nets (0-3), the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, were defeated by the Maine Celtics (3-0), 115-104 during the team’s home opener at Nassau Coliseum.
Long Island guard Jordan Bowden led the way for the Nets with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists in 44 minutes. Brooklyn two-way guard Alondes Williams notched 18 points, six rebounds and four assists in 36 minutes. Nets center RaiQuan Gray scored 17 points with five rebounds and four assists in 29 minutes.
Long Island and Maine got off to an easy start, with both teams exchanging shots until the Celtics led by five during the last 4:06 in the first quarter. Maine closed the period up by four, 28-24. Long Island responded with a deep 3-point shot by Nets guard Jordan Bowden in the first two minutes of the second quarter to shrink the gap to one, 28-27. The two teams went back-and-forth, tying the match four times before heading into halftime. Maine slipped past Long Island and closed the first half up by four, 52-48.
The Nets sought redemption and went on a 6-0 run during the first 1:55 of the third quarter to take the lead, 59-52. Long Island was unable to maintain its lead and Maine took advantage to end the third quarter up by two, 81-79. The back-and-forth continued throughout the fourth quarter until the tides turned in favor of the Celtics during the last five minutes. Maine outscored Long Island 34-25 in the final quarter to end the match, 115-104.
Two Celtics recorded double-doubles to secure Maine’s victory, with forward Luka Samanic earning 30 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes and forward Denzel Valentine notching 15 points and 10 rebounds in 37 minutes. Boston two-way center Mfiondu Kabengele recorded 21 points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes.
The Nets will face the Celtics again on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. ET at Nassau Coliseum.
About the Long Island Nets
The Long Island Nets are the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets. The team started NBA G League play during the 2016-17 season and presently plays its home game at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. The Nets have reached the postseason twice and won one Eastern Conference Championship, reaching the NBA G League Finals in 2019. For more information, please visit longislandnets.com and follow @longislandnets on Twitter and Instagram.