Utah Flash: Hot-shooting Flash win again

OREM — J. R. Giddens and Andre Ingram combined for 48 points and teamed up to convert 17-of-24 field-goal attempts to lead the Utah Flash to their second consecutive victory, 101-91, over the Bakersfield Jam in NBA Development League action Friday at the McKay Events Center.

Giddens, who returned to the Flash lineup after missing one game due to a sprained wrist, led all scorers with 25 points, making 11-of-15 from the floor. The Boston Celtics' assignee also collected eight rebounds.

"That's what J.R. does; he fills up a stat sheet," Flash coach Brad Jones said. "I think in the earlier part of the game he was trying to feel things out from being out on Monday, but when he came back in the second quarter he was just incredible."

The Flash (4-5) will head to the road for a four-game road swing beginning at Anaheim on Sunday, while the Jam (8-2) return home to take on Idaho on Sunday.

Ingram, who recorded a career high in rebounds with seven, posted a season-high 23 points off the Flash bench on 6-of-9 shooting, including a blistering 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc.

"Andre comes to work every day, whether he is playing five minutes or 45 minutes." Jones said. "He is the ultimate professional."

The Flash and Jam exchanged the lead 18 times, including five times in the second quarter alone. Dontell Jefferson picked up two of the Flash's 44 points in the paint on a strong layup that completed a 10-3 Flash run and gave Utah a 51-47 lead at the half. The Flash outscored the Jam 44-24 in the paint.

"We knew we had a size matchup problem with them, and we knew that was going to benefit us, so we just attacked the basket hard and got it done," Giddens said.

The Jam overcame a seven-point, third-quarter deficit to take a one-point lead late in the period. But the Flash rattled off a 13-5 run to close out the game.

Gavin Grant and Brian Jackson scored 11 points each for the Flash, while Bill Walker chipped in 10 before fouling out late in the game.

Bakersfield was led by Derrick Byars, who finished with 25 points. Trey Johnson recorded 20 points and Thomas picked up 17 points in his first action as a starter with the Jam. Nick Lewis added 14 points.