Knights Slice Through Thunderbirds, 116-97, Behind Bryant Walsh’s Sharp 20-Point Night
In an adrenaline-fueled contest that saw the London Knights dominate with surgical precision, they soared past the Arizona Thunderbirds 116-97 on Wednesday night. The win came thanks in large part to a scorching performance from shooting guard Bryant Walsh who earned Player of the Game honors with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Knights lit up the scoreboard with a blistering 58.1% shooting from the field, slicing through the Thunderbirds’ defense with ease. Their offensive onslaught was especially potent in the second and third quarters, where they outscored the Thunderbirds 27-15 and 34-23, respectively, creating a cushion that never deflated.
Walsh wasn’t alone in the Knights’ offensive symphony. Big man Kenneth Dozier was a force in the paint, pouring in 22 points on 11-of-17 shooting while grabbing 10 rebounds. Backup forward David Moore added a spark off the bench with 14 points in just 19 minutes, and point guard Kenneth Nieman orchestrated the offense with 9 assists.
On the other side, the Thunderbirds struggled to find rhythm. Despite a valiant 25-point effort from shooting guard Michael Clarke, who fired up 30 shots, the team shot just 40.6% from the field and a cold 30.8% from beyond the arc. Center Doyle Wagoner and backup big man Brian Palomino each chipped in 17 points, but the team’s lack of ball movement and defensive lapses proved costly.
The Knights also dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Thunderbirds 50-41, and their bench outscored the Thunderbirds’ reserves with efficient, unselfish play. The Thunderbirds’ 14 turnovers only added fuel to the Knights’ fast-paced attack.
Key Factor: Efficiency. The Knights’ superior shooting, rebounding, and ball distribution overwhelmed the Thunderbirds, who couldn’t keep pace despite solid individual efforts.
With this win, the Knights continue to look like a well-oiled machine, while the Thunderbirds will need to regroup and tighten up defensively if they hope to bounce back for Game 7 in Phoenix. Series tied 3-3.