News - Greensboro Swarm Upsets Short-Handed Maine Celtics at Home

In a riveting NBA G League face-off at the Portland Expo on Friday night, the Greensboro Swarm handed the Maine Celtics their first home defeat of the regular season with a decisive 122-112 victory. The Swarm's starters delivered a powerful performance, each finishing in double digits, with Jay Sims topping the scoreboard with an impressive 23 points. The Celtics, who have been riding high this season (8-5), found themselves struggling without the dynamic contributions of their usually top-performing players, Ron Harper Jr., Amari Williams, and Kendall Brown. Their absence left a noticeable gap, challenging the Celtics to adjust their strategies. Max Shulga stepped up for Maine, leading the team with 21 points, while also providing eight critical assists, showcasing his pivotal role in keeping the Celtics competitive. Meanwhile, Hason Ward was a force on both ends of the court, tallying 18 points, matching Shulga's eight assists, and successfully executing five blocked shots, demonstrating his defensive prowess. Contributing to Maine's efforts, Pedro Bradshaw added 16 points, maintaining pressure on the Swarm's defense, whereas Tosan Evbuomwan managed 15 points before fouling out, leaving an impact despite his premature exit. This game highlighted the depth and resilience of the Greensboro Swarm, underscoring their ability to capitalize on opportunities presented by the Celtics' weakened lineup. The Swarm's cohesive performance underlines their potential as formidable contenders in the league. For the Celtics, this encounter presents a turning point to reassess strategies and anticipate the return of their leading scorers, aiming to bounce back in their subsequent games. The match not only stirred the ranks but also intensified the competitive spirit, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the season.