Maine Celtics seek tenth straight win at Capital City

WASHINGTON- The Maine Celtics will look to extend their winning streak to ten games and earn their second road series sweep of the season when they square off with the Capital City Go-Go on Friday at 1 p.m. The game will stream live on NBAGLeague.com.

Just two games remain in the NBA G League Tip-Off Tournament and Maine (9-3) is currently one of eight teams in position to advance to the tournament portion of the G League Winter Showcase in Florida. Maine beat Capital City 112-101 to win their ninth consecutive game on Friday, a new franchise record. They are currently second in the East division behind Raptors 905. Capital City (4-7) is sixth and has lost four in a row. During Tip-Off play, Maine is 6-0 at home and 3-3 on the road.

Playing without Two-Way players Amari Williams and Ron Harper Jr. on Friday, it took a total team effort by the Celtics to earn their ninth consecutive win. Fellow Two-Way guard Max Shulga answered the call with a career-high 25 points. Newly acquired Keon Johnson packed the stat sheet with 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Hason Ward and Stefan Todorovic each added 14 points, and Aaron Scott provided 10 points off the bench and was a game-high +32. As a team, Maine shot 48.8% (41-84) from the field and 38.2% (13-34) from three. The Celtics shot 91% from the free throw line (10-11) and outrebounded the Go-Go 49-32.

The third quarter was key in Maine's victory. The Celtics completed a 26-2 run in the final seven minutes of the third to flip what was nine-point deficit into a 15-point advantage to begin the fourth quarter. During that quarter, Maine held Capital City to just 23.1% (6-26) shooting from the floor while the Celtics converted on 50% (12-24) of their shots. Capital City shot 8-19 (42%) from three in the first half, but were just 3-17 for the remainder of the game.

The Go-Go were led by 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists from Skal Labissiere. Sharife Cooper and AJ Johnson each added 16 points and Jamir Watkins added 15 for Capital City. Johnson, who was on assignment from the Washington Wizards, did not score in the second half. In order for Maine to get another win on the road, they'll have to limit their turnovers on Friday. The Go-Go forced 19 Maine turnovers and scored 27 points off those turnovers in the first game of the series.

Entering Friday's game, Maine is among the NBA G League's best in multiple advanced statistical categories. The Celtics are third in defensive rating, fifth in net rating, third in assist percentage, and second in AST ratio. Maine is also sixth in three-point shots made, fifth in defensive rebounds, fourth in assists, ninth in steals and sixth in blocks.

Maine will face Capital City at 1 p.m. is available to stream live here. The Celtics return home on Sunday for a showdown with Raptors 905 at 1 p.m. at the Portland Expo. Tickets are available here.