Giants Top 16th Ranked Royals 127-97
Story by Matt Potak
The defending ABA Champions continue to show their dominance. The Giants, behind strong guard play, defeated the 16th ranked Las Vegas Royals, 127-97, on Tuesday night. Jacksonville is now 5-0 on the season.
“We are really starting to figure it out as a team,” said Giants head coach Jerry Williams. “It was a great win.”
The grueling West coast schedule has had Jacksonville play three games since this past Saturday. The intense traveling is preparing the Giants for the 2020 ABA Tournament this upcoming spring. Fans on the Giants social media pages have continued to show support throughout the road trip, which comes to an end this weekend with three games left before heading home to Jacksonville.
The Giants were led by the powerful guard combination of Maurice Mickens and Dylon Cormier. Both Mickens (26 points) and Cormier (21 points) combined for 47 points. The Royals had major issues containing the duo. Mickens scores 16 points in the first half and landed two straight three pointers to close out the second quarter. Shooting guard Bernard Nugent also contributed with 14 points, all in the first half.
“Everyone played as a team and came out with a great win,” said Giants Forward Rodney Walker.
The 30 point win showed the elite caliber of the Giants. It was evident that the Jacksonville’s speed and athletic ability was too much for Las Vegas. The Giants used a rapid tempo on offense, which dismantled the inexperienced Royals defense. Defensively Jacksonville used a similar fast tempo approach.
The Giants had a commanding 69-44 halftime lead and continued to keep momentum in the second half. Calvin Warner and Walker led the strong inside presence on defense while Cormier and Mickens kept the outside shooting intact.
Giants vs Royals Gamebox
Star of the Game: The reigning ABA MVP Maurice Mickens led the Giants with 26 points, five assists, and three steals. The seasoned veteran was unstoppable on the court and gave the Giants a huge offensive spark.
Turning Point: Jacksonville’s first half performance was just too much for Las Vegas to overcome. The Royals fell into a large 69-44 deficit and could not respond.
On Defense: Rodney Walker was named defensive player of the game by the Giants. Walker contributed both on the outside perimeter as well as inside with strong blocks and rebounds.
Up Next: The West coast trip continues on Wednesday night as the Giants take on the Las Vegas Valley Hawks.
Upcoming Home Games: After the Giants return home from their West Coast trip, they will be in action on Saturday, December 21st, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. against the 305 Ballers.
The Giants will celebrate their 2019 championship with Champions Night on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the Veterans Memorial Arena where they will host a championship rematch and have their championship ring ceremony and banner unveiling.
Keep up to date with scores and highlights by liking and following the Jacksonville Giants Facebook page.
