On December 17, the G League Ignite team for elite prospects faced-off for a second time against a G League alumni team. The scrimmage took place at the Ultimate Fieldhouse in Walnut Creek, California.
“A good old fashioned butt-whooping,” was Head Coach Brian Shaw‘s brief assessment after Ignite suffered a heavy 125-99 loss.
Experience over youth was the tale of the tape. With Ignite well and truly second best throughout the contest against a seasoned and veteran-laden alumni team.
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Jonathan Kuminga once again led the way with 21 points. The young forward finished strong at the rim and kept opposing defenses guessing with a selection of shots from the outside. He followed up with 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. Kuminga was 6-13 from the field to cap off another well-rounded performance.
Another player who has stood out for the Ignite team in the last two contests has been guard Jalen Green. The 18-year-old finished the game with 20 points. His athleticism, speed, and strength showed throughout. as he was able to get to the rim at will and put away easy shots.
In addition to his 20 points, Green grabbed 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. and 2 steals. While Green’s 3-point shot was not falling, he was competitive on the defensive end. Showing even more caveats to his already well-rounded game.
“It was a butt-whooping today. But it was good for us to once again have to recognize the physicality and intensity that you’re going to have to play with on this level,” said Coach Shaw in a post-scrimmage media availability. “Our guys didn’t back down. It just shows that we have a lot of areas where we need to improve on.”
Isaiah Todd had 13 points and 6 rebounds in the contest, on 4-11 shooting. Daishen Nix recorded 10 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, on 4-13 shooting. While Kai Sotto put down 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block, on 1-3 shooting.
Ryan Taylor led the way for the alumni team, with 20 points on a scorching 63% from the 3-point line. It was a well-rounded performance by the veterans, with 7 players scoring in double digits. As a team, the alumni shot an eye watering 46.3% from 3, with Ignite converting at a 21.7% rate.
“The team that we were playing against were really really good. They had some really good shooters on their team,” Coach Shaw said. “It’s a really good team, mature team, physical. It allowed our guys to understand what its going to take and what its going to be like day-in day-out.”
With two wins from two, the alumni team gave the young Ignite team some valuable experience ahead of their potential futures in the NBA.
The Ignite will now take a break over the holidays. They will return to Walnut Creek in early 2021 to continue practices.
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