he pre-game fireworks during introductions didn’t necessarily translate into fireworks on the court. Whether it was the cloud of smoke hazily hanging over the court thanks to the pyrotechnics, or just opening night jitters, neither team could buy a basket early on.
After falling behind 25-12 at the end of the first quarter, the Flash came charging back only to watch as Dakota Wizard center Kevin Lyde nailed a jump shot at the buzzer to hand the Flash their first home loss 99-97.
In front of 4,584 skeptical fans, the Flash mounted a comeback behind the shooting of former UNLV standout Kevin Krueger, who finished with 25 points on the night.
The Flash also scored 24 from Michael Cuffee’s hot hand, including a 3-pointer from the corner that tied the game with one second remaining in regulation.
As the fans prepared for overtime, hardly anyone noticed Lyde as he caught the inbounds pass, pulled up and fired a 15-foot jumper that buried the Flash all in one second.
"I thought he took longer than a second," coach Brad Jones said. "That’s the way it is and there are no excuses."
Although the Flash lost their home opener, it was still a memorable night.
Prior to tip-off, the Jazz Bear rode out onto the court on a motorcycle with his new friend the Flash Fox. The two mascots rode around on their bikes as they tried to pump up the crowd before the game. Like the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League, the Flash games appear to be a great place for families to enjoy quality entertainment at a cheap price.
After three games, the D-League affiliate of both the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics have a 1-2 record. The Flash, who play their home games at the Mckay Center on the Utah Valley campus, will be playing to win – but also to prepare their players who hope to get a chance to play in the NBA with the Jazz or the Celtics.
