Chaos Crushes Invaders 120-100 Behind Vazquez’s Valiant Performance
In a high-octane showdown, the Los Angeles Chaos overwhelmed the Indiana Invaders 120-100, riding a wave of sizzling shooting and relentless ball movement. The Chaos scorched the nets at a blistering 55.8% clip, while the Invaders sputtered to just 40% from the field and a dismal 57.7% from the free-throw line. Raimundo Vazquez was electric, earning Player of the Game honors with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 5 steals, and a perfect 2-for-2 from deep in just 23 minutes. He was flanked by Brandon Wells, who poured in 18 points and dished 5 assists, and Raymond Lindstrom, who dominated the paint with 25 points and 6 rebounds. The Chaos bench also delivered a spark, contributing 50 points and keeping the pressure on all night. Despite a gritty 21-point effort from Douglas Floyd, the Invaders collapsed in the fourth quarter, managing just 17 points as turnovers and poor shooting sealed their fate. Ultimately, the Chaos’ efficient offense and stifling defense proved too much, turning a tight first half into a runaway victory. Chaos lead series 1-0.
Thunderbirds Glide Past Knights 101-94 as Clarke Ignites Off the Bench
In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, the Arizona Thunderbirds surged past the London Knights 101-94, thanks to a late-game push and a spark-plug performance from Michael Clarke, who earned Player of the Game honors. Clarke was electric off the bench, tallying 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, while adding 5 assists, 4 steals, and a block in just 20 minutes of action. The Thunderbirds leaned on a balanced attack, with Doyle Wagoner leading all scorers with 27 points and Ben Toy anchoring the paint with 14 points and 4 blocks. Arizona’s 33 assists and 10 three-pointers proved pivotal, especially as they outscored London 27-21 in the final quarter. Despite a dominant 26-point, 12-rebound outing from Kenneth Dozier and 22 apiece from Danny Largent and Bryant Walsh, the Knights were undone by poor free-throw shooting (14-of-25) and a lackluster 2-of-12 from beyond the arc. In the end, the Thunderbirds’ depth, ball movement, and timely defense sealed the win in a game that was as gritty as it was entertaining. Thunderbirds lead series 1-0.