The historic halls of Freedom Hall witnessed a valiant effort from Team Diesel / Smith League on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a strong Los Angeles Ignite squad in their opening-round matchup of The Basketball Tournament (TBT). Despite a spectacular performance from guard Jordon Crawford, Team Diesel ultimately succumbed, ending their 2025 TBT campaign prematurely by a final score of 93-82.
Team Diesel came out of the gates flat and was unable to find the momentum needed to close the gap. LA Ignite showcased a balanced attack, proving to be a tough opponent. While Team Diesel found a little offensive rhythm in the second half, largely through the hands of their veteran point guard, Jordon Crawford, they succumbed to timely turnovers while also being out rebounded.
Crawford was a scoring machine for Team Diesel, pouring in a team-high 20 points on an efficient 7-of-15 shooting from the field. His perimeter shooting was particularly impressive, as he knocked down 5 of his 9 attempts from beyond the arc, keeping his team within striking distance throughout much of the contest. Beyond his scoring, Crawford demonstrated his all-around impact, dishing out 4 assists and pulling down 4 rebounds in his 34 minutes of action. He was a constant threat, driving to the basket, creating opportunities for teammates, and battling for loose balls.
Despite Crawford’s individual brilliance, LA Ignite managed to maintain their edge, particularly in the critical moments of the game. They executed down the stretch, ultimately securing the victory and advancing in the winner-take-all $1 million tournament. While Team Diesel showed flashes of their potential and fought with tenacity, the collective effort of LA Ignite proved to be the difference.
For Team Diesel, the loss is undoubtedly a disappointing end to their TBT journey. However, Jordon Crawford’s performance stands out as a testament to his skill and determination. His ability to produce at such a high level against top-tier competition underscores his value and serves as a bright spot in what was ultimately a tough outcome for his team. As TBT continues, fans will undoubtedly remember Crawford’s impressive individual showing in Louisville.
