Cavs’ Emoni Bates, Team Ballislife Fall in Up Next Championship Game
After competing in the 2024 NBA Panini Rising Stars this past Friday night, Emoni Bates represented both the Cleveland Cavaliers and their NBA G League affiliate Cleveland Charge once again on Sunday afternoon.
The 20-year-old forward took part in the 2024 NBA G League Up Next Game after receiving the 10th-most fan votes for the showcase.
Here is how Bates fared on one of the G League’s biggest stages, in which each game was played up to 30 points.
Semifinal (vs. Team Giraffe Stars)
The Cleveland rookie and his team, Team Ballislife, played in the first semifinal of the day. Bates, who is averaging 21.7 points per game for the Charge so far this season, had a strong offensive showing.
He scored a game-high 10 points, shooting 4-for-5 (80%) from the field and draining his only two-point free-throw attempt. Bates also had a +8 plus/minus, which was the second-highest of any player.
Team Ballislife ultimately came away with a 32-25 victory.
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Team Giraffe Stars forward Jermaine Samuels Jr. (0) of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers reacts for a loose ball defend by Team Ballislife forward Emoni Bates (21) of the Cleveland Charge during the 2024 NBA G League Up Next game at Indiana Convention Center.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Championship (vs. Team EYL)
Bates once again led his team offensively in the Up Next Championship Game. He recorded a team-high seven points, shooting 3-for-7 (42.9%) from the field and 1-for-4 (25%) from beyond the arc, while also tallying an offensive rebound.
Unfortunately, Team Ballislife fell to EYL by a score of 30-21.
Bates has seen limited NBA action so far during his rookie season. In 10 games, he has totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and a steal, while shooting 5-for-20 (25%) from three-point range.
Currently signed to a Two-Way Contract with the Cavaliers, Bates can be active for up to 50 games for the Wine and Gold this season.
