Jones scores 26 to help Cruise roll past Celtics

Isaac Jones' hot hand helped the Motor City Cruise rally for a 123-108 victory over the Maine Celtics on Thursday night at the Portland Expo Building to complete a two-game series sweep.

After trailing by as many as 15 points in the second quarter, the Cruise engineered a 30-point swing to secure the victory heading into the G League All-Star break.

Jones scored 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting for the Cruise (12-10). He also grabbed seven rebounds. Wendell Moore Jr. finished with 24 points and seven assists, while Brice Williams added 20 points, including four 3-pointers. Former Celtic Drew Peterson had a successful return to Portland, contributing 17 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Matthew Moncrieffe added a double-double off the bench with 10 points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes.

In his second game with the Celtics (11-12), two-way player John Tonje scored a game-high 29 points while hitting four 3-pointers. Fellow two-way player Max Shulga posted 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Bridges scored 16 points, and Hason Ward had 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Aaron Scott also chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds for the short-handed Celtics, who played without key contributors Amari Williams and Ron Harper Jr.

Maine controlled much of the first half until Motor City cut the deficit to 53-51 at halftime. The Cruise continued to dictate in the third, outscoring the Celtics 37-26.

Up next: The Celtics visit the Delaware Blue Coats on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. ET. The Cruise visit the College Park Skyhawks on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. ET.

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