Munford buzzer-beater highlights historic week for Wisconsin Herd

In their first season of existence the Wisconsin Herd have exploded out of the gate, surging to a 3-1 record.

After making their franchise debut on Monday November 6, the Herd got their feet wet by playing 4 games in 6 nights (all on the road, mind you), winning 3 of them. Their first game was won in memorable and dramatic fashion, with a Xavier Munford buzzer-beater capping a huge comeback from 20 points down.

Following that season-opening 115-113 win over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Herd defeated the Salt Lake City Stars 103-97 on Wednesday, lost to the Santa Cruz Warriors 111-82 on Friday, and defeated the Reno Bighorns 106-102 on Saturday.

The team's offense has been led by a trio of high-scoring guards: Munford (25 points per game), Gary Payton II (20 PPG), and James Young (19 PPG).

Next up for the Herd:

• Friday, November 17, vs Windy City Bulls

• Saturday, November 18, vs. Maine Red Claws

Both games will be played at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

Munford shooting the lights out

One big reason the Herd have gotten off to such a hot start has been the sensational play of Xavier Munford, who was named the NBA G League Performer of the Week. Here are his numbers through 4 games played, and I'm not making these stats up, he really is shooting 70% from downtown!

	PPG	3PT	3P%	APG	RPG
Munford	25.0	17-24	70.8	5.3	5.0

Munford was the also the star of the night in the Herd's inaugural game, versus the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, scoring 21 points and hitting the game-winning shot -- a beautiful turn-around jumper from beyond the arc -- at the buzzer

Gary Payton II makes Herd debut

Milwaukee Bucks Two-Way player Gary Payton II made his season debut in the Herd's third game, largely because he was on the Bucks' roster when the Herd began their season. As one of the Bucks two designated Two-Way players, Payton has already spent time in the NBA this season, seeing action against the Charlotte Hornets in late October.

Through 2 games played with the Herd, Payton is both scoring (20 points per game) and playing good defense (7.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game).

by Nate Spade

Follow @nate_spade

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