Maine Celtics clinch playoff spot with win over Cleveland Charge

The Maine Celtics punched their ticket to the postseason, securing a playoff berth with a commanding 130-105 victory over the Cleveland Charge on Tuesday at the Portland Expo Building in Maine. In a win-or-go-home regular-season finale, Maine was led by Keon Johnson and Kendall Brown, who both scored 21 points.

The Celtics (18-18) showcased a balanced offensive attack, with seven players scoring in double figures. John Tonje contributed 16 points, including three 3-pointers, while Jalen Bridges added 15. Coming off the bench, Amari Williams posted 13 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, and Max Shulga chipped in with 12 points and six assists. Hayden Gray orchestrated the offense effectively, dishing out a game-high 11 assists to go with four steals. The team's ball movement was a key factor, as the Celtics finished with 38 assists.

For the Charge (22-12), Tristan Enaruna led all scorers with 26 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Zeke Mayo provided a spark from long range, scoring 24 points on 6-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc. Malaki Branham added 16 points, and Sy Chatman recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Maine established control from the outset and never trailed in the contest. The Celtics built a formidable 70-43 lead by halftime, dominating on offense and defense. Cleveland scored eight straight points to start the third quarter, cutting into the significant deficit, but Maine weathered the run. Brown helped slam the door on any potential rally with a series of highlight-reel dunks, and the Celtics reestablished their large lead to cruise to the crucial victory.

Up next: The Charge travel to the Noblesville Boom on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.

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