The Delaware Blue Coats faced off against the Maine Celtics at Chase FieldHouse in Delaware. The Blue Coats defeated the Celtics 125-123 behind a game-winning three-pointer from MacClung with 2.6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. After being down as much as 15 in the fourth, the Coats fought back to get their fourth win of the season. Take a look at three takeaways from the matchup:
Sixers’ Two-Way Star for Blue coats
The 76ers’ two-way players starred offensively for the Delaware Blue Coats in their matchup against the Celtics. Julian Champagnie and Saben Lee kept the team afloat offensively throughout the game. Lee knifed his way through the paint for his 22 points. He also added 5 assists and 6 rebounds to his overall solid performance of the night. Champagnie was the star of the night excelling in transition and lead the team in made threes (six), ending the night with 34 points and 8 rebounds. Champagnie looked a lot better than he did in the Las Vegas Summer League and much more comfortable in his defined role in Delaware. He showed some development as a catch-and-shoot threat with some flashes that he could be a movement shooter in the future.
Luka Dominates
There were some recognizable names on Maine Celtics including NBA journeyman Denzel Valentine, former Sixers Marial Shayok, and Alabama standout JD Davison. One name that wasn’t as recognizable was Luka Samanic, who dominated for the Celtics. He is a 6 ’10 forward from Croatia, a former 2019 first-round pick, who did it all for the Celtics. He took advantage of smaller defenders guarding him and could step out on the perimeter. He had a stretch in the second quarter where he scored 6 straight for Maine with an array of moves. Samanic ended the night with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Running the Break
The Blue Coats’ athleticism was on full display when they were in transition and was a big catalyst in their second-quarter run that allowed them to capture a lead in the second quarter. It was also a major factor in their run in the fourth quarter to get them back in the game. The Blue Coats scored 16 fast break points off 25 forced turnovers.
The Blue Coats are in action again on Thursday against the Raptors 905 at 7PM in Delaware at the Chase Field House.
Delaware Bluecoats/Tyrese Williams
