Sixers’ Affiliate Blue Coats Conclude Championship Run

Final season, the Philadelphia 76ers’ NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, made their first championship run whereas down within the Orlando bubble. After making it to the NBA G League Finals for the primary time in staff historical past, the Blue Coats fell brief within the one-and-done matchup in opposition to the Lakeland Magic.

This season, the Blue Coats got here again for extra. After clinching a spot within the G League playoffs, Delaware picked up three-straight wins to punch their ticket to the NBA G League Finals for the second-straight season.

Earlier this week, Delaware kicked off its sequence in opposition to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on the highway. Sadly for the Blue Coats, they missed two key gamers because the beginning heart Charles Bassey was dominated out for a minimum of ten days with a shoulder damage.

As well as, Sixers two-way wing Charlie Brown Jr. was entered into the NBA’s well being and security protocol. With out these two accessible, the Blue Coats tried to play with a next-man-up mentality, nevertheless it did not go so nicely in Sport 1.

On the highway, the Blue Coats got here up manner brief for the primary outing. With a 145-128 loss, the Blue Coats returned house to arrange for Sport 2, which was set to happen in Delaware on Thursday night time.

Not solely did the Blue Coats miss Bassey and Brown for the second-straight sport on Thursday, however in addition they performed with out Sixers’ rookie first-round decide, Jaden Springer. With out three of their key gamers, the Blue Coats clearly took successful on Thursday.

The Vipers obtained off to a dominant begin proper out of the gate. Within the first quarter of motion, Rio Grande Valley fired off for 43 factors and held the Blue Coats to beneath 30. Delaware managed to outscore Rio Grande Valley within the second quarter, however the Vipers saved it tight, which helped them keep their lead.

Going into halftime, the Blue Coats trailed by double digits. Once they got here out for the second half, they did not change the panorama of the sport. As soon as once more, the Vipers outscored the Blue Coats 35-29. Going into the fourth quarter, Delaware trailed 104-86. Barring an surprising comeback, it grew to become clear that Rio Grande Valley was nicely on its method to an NBA G League title win.

When the clock ran out, it was confirmed. With a 131-114 victory for the Vipers, the Blue Coats fell brief for the second-straight season as a Sport 2 loss helped Rio Grande Valley full the sweep.

Whatever the loss, the Blue Coats had fairly a profitable season. Not solely did they win the G League’s first-ever mid-season event, however they made one other run for the title for the second-straight season.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports activities Illustrated. You possibly can observe him for reside updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.