Hindman’s 34 Point Night Powers Knights Past Buzzards, 123–109
In a high-octane showdown between two NatEast Division contenders, the London Knights surged past the Boston Buzzards with a commanding 123–109 victory, thanks in large part to the electric performance of shooting guard Nathan Hindman. Hindman lit up the scoreboard with 34 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including a sizzling 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, and added 7 clutch free throws to seal the deal. The Knights’ offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting a blistering 52.6% from the field and dishing out 30 assists, with point guard Kenneth Nieman contributing a game-high 14 dimes. Center Kenneth Dozier was a force in the paint, racking up 33 points and 11 rebounds in a dominant double-double. Despite strong efforts from Boston’s James Jones (27 points) and Don McDaniel (24 points), the Buzzards couldn’t keep pace in the second half, where they were outscored 61–50. The Knights’ superior ball movement, rebounding edge (48–40), and bench contributions proved decisive in this statement win. Knights lead series 3-0.
Thunderbirds Outgun Evolution 111-106 Behind Hendershot’s Double Double
In a thrilling shootout that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Arizona Thunderbirds edged out the New Jersey Evolution 111-106, thanks to a masterful performance from point guard Manuel Hendershot. The floor general orchestrated the offense with surgical precision, dishing out a jaw-dropping 15 assists to go along with 14 points and 6 rebounds, earning him Player of the Game honors. Arizona’s offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting a sizzling 48.4% from the field and a blistering 47.1% from beyond the arc, with John Bigler leading the scoring charge with 21 points, including five triples. The Evolution fought valiantly, led by Jamaal Weathers’ 23 points and Kelvin Penrod’s double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds, but their 41.1% shooting and struggles from deep (just 29.6% from three) proved costly. Ultimately, the Thunderbirds’ superior ball movement (37 assists) and perimeter shooting were the decisive factors in this high-octane clash. Thunderbirds lead series 3-0.
Invaders Topple Tritons 102-90 Behind Gaynor’s Stellar All-Around Effort
In a fast-paced AmEast Division battle, the Indiana Invaders outlasted the Tampa Bay Tritons 102-90, led by a standout showing from veteran forward Jose Gaynor. Gaynor was in top form, tallying 22 points on an efficient 7-of-12 from the floor, a flawless 6-for-6 at the line, while also handing out 6 assists and pulling down 7 rebounds. Indiana came out firing, racing to a 58-38 lead at the break thanks to sharp passing and a well-rounded offensive approach. Chase Samons contributed 17 points and 6 assists, while center Ronald Beverly added muscle in the paint with 17 points and 8 rebounds.
Despite a determined 29-point outing from Tritons guard Jerome Fry, Tampa Bay struggled to find rhythm early and finished with just 39.8% shooting from the field. Indiana’s edge in efficiency (.438 FG%, .833 FT%) and their impressive 29 assists helped them dictate the pace and hold off a late Tritons rally. The Invaders’ strong team chemistry and Gaynor’s all-around excellence proved to be the difference in this competitive matchup. Invaders lead series 2-1.
Lindstrom Leads Chaos in 132-120 Shootout Over Sun Kings
In a high-octane clash that lit up the scoreboard, the Los Angeles Chaos outgunned the St. Louis Sun Kings 132-120 behind a dominant performance from center Raymond Lindstrom. The big man was unstoppable in the paint, pouring in 33 points on 16-of-33 shooting while hauling down 11 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists, earning him Player of the Game honors. The Chaos came out firing, dropping 80 points in the first half and shooting a sizzling 52.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Brandon Wells added 22 points and 10 assists, while Chris Melvin chipped in 25 off the bench. Despite a valiant effort from St. Louis’ Clemente Gomez, who tallied 26 points and 11 boards, the Sun Kings couldn’t keep pace, hampered by 22 fouls and a subpar 60.9% from the free-throw line. Ultimately, the Chaos’ efficient offense and balanced attack proved too much, as they pulled away in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Chaos lead series 3-0.
