Chaos Crush Sun Kings 126-107, Lindstrom Drops 39 in Dominant Win
In a high-octane shootout, the Los Angeles Chaos overwhelmed the St. Louis Sun Kings 126-107 behind a jaw-dropping performance from center Raymond Lindstrom, who poured in 39 points on 17-of-31 shooting. The Chaos offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting a blistering 54.9% from the field and dishing out 40 assists, with Robert Schrimsher and Brandon Wells combining for 25 of them. Chris Melvin added a powerful 20-point punch off the bench, while Sam Braxton was a perfect 7-for-7 in limited minutes. Despite a valiant 28-point effort from Clemente Gomez and a solid 16 from Ambrose Vela, the Sun Kings struggled to keep pace, especially from beyond the arc, hitting just 5-of-21 threes. The Chaos dominated the glass with a 51-37 rebounding edge and controlled the tempo throughout, turning the game into a fast-paced clinic. The decisive factor? Efficiency and ball movement —- Los Angeles simply outshot and outshared their Eastern rivals in every quarter. Chaos lead series 1-0.
Knights Clip Buzzards 125-121, Robinson Shines in Valiant Effort Despite Loss
In a high-octane clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the London Knights narrowly outlasted the Boston Buzzards 125-121 in a thrilling offensive showcase. The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip, with both teams trading buckets and momentum through all four quarters. Despite the loss, Boston’s power forward Nathanael Robinson was a force of nature, pouring in 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting, grabbing 8 rebounds, and swatting away 6 shots to earn Player of the Game honors. The Knights countered with a balanced attack, led by the sharpshooting duo of Bryant Walsh and Nathan Hindman, who each tallied 25 points while combining to shoot a blistering 14-of-18 from the field. London’s efficient 55.4% shooting and a +7 edge in free throw attempts proved to be the difference, as they held off a late Buzzards surge to secure the win. Knights lead series 1-0.
Thunderbirds Take Flight Behind Hendershot’s Heroics, Blow Out Evolution 110-91
In a dazzling display of offensive firepower, the Arizona Thunderbirds overwhelmed the New Jersey Evolution 110-91 in a game that was never in doubt after the opening quarter. The Thunderbirds exploded out of the gate with a 35-11 first-quarter blitz, setting the tone for a dominant performance on both ends of the floor. Point guard Manuel Hendershot was electric, earning Player of the Game honors with 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including a scorching 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, while dishing out 10 assists. Arizona’s balanced attack featured five players in double figures and a blistering 14-of-26 shooting from three-point range. John Bigler added 26 points, and Matthew Flint chipped in 14 off the bench. The Evolution struggled to keep pace despite a 17-point effort from Jamaal Weathers and a late spark from Raphael Herod. Ultimately, Arizona’s superior ball movement (27 assists), rebounding edge (50-44), and perimeter shooting (.538 from three) proved too much for New Jersey, who committed 18 turnovers and never recovered from their sluggish start. Thunderbirds lead series 1-0.
Tritons Elude Invaders 118-117, Fry Drops 29 in Electrifying Finish
In a heart-pounding clash between American East rivals, the Tampa Bay Tritons narrowly escaped with a 118-117 victory over the Indiana Invaders in a game that was as electric as it was evenly matched. The Tritons shot a blistering 55.9% from the field, led by the sensational Jerome Fry, who poured in 29 points on 11-of-19 shooting and nailed three triples to earn Player of the Game honors. Fry’s offensive fireworks were complemented by center Herman Winslow’s all-around brilliance—22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks. Despite the Invaders’ valiant fourth-quarter surge, where they outscored Tampa Bay 36-27, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Tritons’ early lead. Indiana’s David Kidder matched Fry’s scoring with 24 points and 9 assists off the bench, while Jose Gaynor added 24 of his own in a strong showing. Ultimately, Tampa Bay’s superior shooting efficiency and clutch free-throw accuracy (90% from the line) proved to be the difference in this high-octane thriller. Tritons lead series 1-0.
