Lumberjacks Tame Scorchers in Scoring Frenzy; Maxwell Orchestrates Portland's Victory
Maxwell's Playmaking Fuels Lumberjacks Past Scorchers
PHOENIX – The Portland Lumberjacks weathered an Adam Johnson scoring explosion to secure a hard-fought 111-103 victory over the Phoenix Scorchers on Saturday night. In a game defined by offensive firepower and momentum swings, the Lumberjacks found a decisive edge in balanced scoring and a masterful performance from point guard Kian Maxwell.
Johnson was spectacular for the Scorchers, pouring in a game-high 30 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Portland’s consistent offensive pressure. The Lumberjacks, led by Brooke King’s 23 points and Kian Maxwell’s all-around brilliance, shot a blistering 50.6% from the field, showcasing a potent offensive attack.
The game remained tight through the first half, with both teams trading blows. Adam Johnson was the primary catalyst for Phoenix, hitting clutch threes and driving to the basket. However, the Lumberjacks responded with a balanced effort, seeing Sita Devi contribute 15 points and King provide a significant offensive spark.
The turning point appeared to come in the third quarter when Kian Maxwell, in addition to his 16 points, dished out nine assists, unlocking the Lumberjacks’ offense and creating open looks for his teammates. Portland extended their lead with a series of efficient possessions, as Maxwell’s court vision proved instrumental in breaking down the Scorchers’ defense.
“We knew Adam was going to get his points,” said Lumberjacks head coach Axel Schmidt. “Our game plan was to limit everyone else and make sure we answered every basket. Kian was exceptional tonight, making the right plays at the right time.”
Despite a late push from the Scorchers, who fought valiantly until the final buzzer, the Lumberjacks maintained their composure, converting crucial free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
“We just couldn’t find a consistent rhythm defensively tonight,” admitted Scorchers coach Anya Sharma. “Give credit to Portland; they executed their game plan and made shots when it mattered most.”
Key Notes:
- Portland Lumberjacks shot an efficient 50.6% from the field.
- Kian Maxwell recorded a game-high 9 assists.
- Adam Johnson scored a game-high 30 points for the Phoenix Scorchers.
- The Lumberjacks dished out 27 assists on 43 made field goals.