CLEVELAND — On Sunday night, the finest professional basketball players will be showcased in the NBA All-Star Game at Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Earlier in the day, some of the league's next generation of talent was on display at the Wolstein Center in the inaugural NBA G League Next Gem Game.
The Cleveland Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers' G League affiliate, rallied to beat the G League Ignite, 96-92. Guard Malik Newman led five Charge players in double figures with 30 points. Center Tacko Fall added 12 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Both players have earned NBA call-ups during this season.
The Ignite also had five players score in double figures, led by Jaden Hardy with 20 points. Dyson Daniels added 18 points and 13 rebounds. A 3-pointer by Hardy put the Ignite on top of the Charge, 92-88, with 2:43 to play in the final quarter. G League Ignite would not score for the remainder of the afternoon.
Newman brought the Charge within two with a driving layup, then Trevon Scott put Cleveland ahead for good with a 3-point basket with just over two minutes left.
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