Ignite wins NBA G League opener

MANILA, Philippines—G League Ignite passed its first test, putting on a solid endgame to beat Santa Cruz, 109-104, in the NBA G League Thursday at AdventHealth Arena inside ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

Jonathan Kuminga played big down the stretch for Ignite with a crucial rejection on Jordan Poole before Daishen Nix iced the game from the line.

The young stars had to fend off a rally from the Warriors affiliate team, which got to within three 103-100 with 1:41 to play.

Ignite used a quick 11-0 run to get their momentum going en route to a 65-60 lead at the end of the half.

what a game for @JonathanKuming6 pic.twitter.com/GaB3xNqrjR

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) February 10, 2021

NBA veteran Jarret Jack led Ignite’s offense with 23 points but while Kuminga added 19 points, on 9-of-18 shooting, with four assists and two blocks.

first points as a pro for @JalenGreen

tune into ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/4euAtD5C46

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) February 10, 2021

Brandon Ashley had a near double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds while Jalen Green, who is of Filipino-American descent, pitched in 11 points and five boards.

Poole put up 22 points for the Warriors while Jeremy Lin added 18 points, five assists, and three steals.