On a night when the Boston Celtics weren’t able to come home with a victory on their end, the G-League affiliate Maine Red Claws came up short as well, losing 106-99 to the Northern Arizona Suns at home.
When it rains, it pours. After a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic that had Kyrie Irving frustrated, the Boston Celtics found some support, misery-loves-company style, as their G-League affiliate Maine Red Claws also faced defeat on Saturday.
FINAL: 15 points from RJ Hunter in a tough loss to @nazsuns #CruastacanNation pic.twitter.com/jb2JHKGi73
— Maine Celtics (@MaineCeltics) January 13, 2019
Unfortunately, much like Boston’s night, the Red Claws’ performance was defined by a collapse in the fourth quarter. Maine found themselves up seven going into the final frame, and up double digits with under ten minutes to go in the contest, but didn’t have an answer for a late run by the Suns.
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The Red Claws were outrebounded 14-3 in the final quarter, and continued to put up brick after brick until the Suns took the lead with five minutes left. Northern Arizona didn’t look back, outscoring Maine 35-21 in the fourth quarter and comfortably winning 106-99.
Vitto Brown led the effort for the Red Claws, scoring 23 points and tacking on 7 rebounds. The Celtics’ two-way players had decent nights as well, with PJ Dozier putting up a near triple-double with 15 points, 9 boards and 9 assists, and RJ Hunter chipping in 15 points of his own. It was, of course, Hunter’s first official game back with the Celtics organzation.
The Suns had lost 14 straight before beating the Red Claws, their longest losing streak in franchise history. The win takes them to 4-24 on the year. Maine is now facing a two-game skid of their own, and currently hold a record of 8-17.
The Red Claws won’t see action again until Friday when they travel to Washington, D.C. to take on the Capital City Go-Go (14-9). They’ll then be on short rest as they head to Ohio to take on Canton Charge (9-14) on Saturday. Both games will be broadcasted on Facebook Live.