Charge Use Defense to Stifle Herd 115-96

Photo by Luigi Musto

Cleveland-OH Charge fans were ready for some Friday night basketball from the Charge and the team did not disappoint. Led by Isaiah Mobley’s season high 30 points, the Charge cruised to a win over the Wisconsin Herd 115-96

Started hot

The first quarter saw the Charge race out to a commanding lead because of active hands and steals by Nate Hinton. Taking pride in being the team’s energy, and defensive stopper, Hinton started the game with his usual high energy and leading the defensive charge with 3 steals in the first period. The Herd were having trouble dealing with Hinton’s energy, while Didi Louzada started hot scoring 8 points in the first. Mobley started 0-5, which he attributed to rust from being off, and admittedly pressing a little to start the game. Despite his early struggles, the Charge were up 30-18 at the end of the first.

Mobley joins in

The second quarter was a different story for Mobley. He was unstoppable as he scored 12 points in an array of moves, and finishes. With Mobley hitting, and Hinton still causing issues, the Charge started extending their lead. Sharife Cooper, the GLeagues Player of The Week got going and the Charge held a 21 point lead. An injury to Chandler Vaudrin slowed down momentum as the Herd closed the gap down to 12 but the Charge regrouped and went to halftime with a 61-47 lead.

Isaiah Mobley gettin' FANCY in the post! 🔥

💻: https://t.co/fLGfbO0vpY | @ChargeCLE pic.twitter.com/YhfeCZDQAT

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) January 14, 2023

Strong finish

The second half was really cruise control for the Charge. The Herd never could get close enough to really scare the Charge. Mobley scored another 10 points in the quarter, Louzada chipped in another 7 and once again, Hinton’s all- over-the-place defense caused issues for the Herd. Cooper scored 12 of his 25 in the fourth quarter and the Charge kept the Herd at bay. It was a complete dominant game by the Charge who are looking to start making a run at the postseason.

SHEESH what a finish by Isaiah Mobley! 😲 @ChargeCLE pic.twitter.com/X4Y0imPefk

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) January 14, 2023

When asked after the game, Mobley pointedly said,

“We want to win, and we feel like we have a good chance” I know that’s what he’s supposed to say, but this seems like a team that if they play together, they can beat anyone. “

 

Game Notes

This is the fifth game the Charge have held the opponent under 100 points.

The Charge boast the number 2 defensive efficiency in the G League

 

Up Next

The Charge head on the road to face the Windy City Bulls in back to back games Saturday and Monday, then head to Greensboro to face the Swarm, before coming home to play Capitol City Go-Go on Sunday January 22^nd.