L.A. loses to Jam 98-87, giving Western Division crown to Idaho
Published on April 9, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
Bakersfield Jam News Release
(Bakersfield, Calif., April 9, 2008) - The Bakersfield Jam stepped into the role of spoilers Wednesday night, handing Los Angeles a 98-87 NBA Development League loss and ending the D-Fenders' run at the Western Division title.
L.A.'s loss gives the Idaho Stampede the division crown and the top seed in the D-League Playoffs, which get underway next week. The D-Fenders have clinched a playoff spot, but won't know their seeding until the season ends this weekend.
The Jam started slowly Wednesday, which allowed the D-Fenders to take early leads of nine and 10 points. L.A. led 29-19 early in the second period before Bakersfield mounted a run that closed the gap to three points at the half, 51-48.
Nick Lewis and Mateen Cleaves led the Jam as they overtook L.A. in the third quarter, with Lewis scoring 11 of his 19 points in the frame and Cleaves dishing out four of his game-high 12 assists. Cleaves finished with a game-high 21 points to lead Bakersfield, which finished with six players in double figures. Lewis also grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds.
The Jam's lead grew to as many as 13 points in the final period, but L.A. refused to go quietly, riding an 8-2 spurt with just under eight minutes left in the game to close the gap to four, 81-77. But this time, Cleaves took over, scoring 10 points down the stretch to clinch the victory.
Jelani McCoy led the D-Fenders with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Cecil Brown added 18 points for L.A. Scooter McFadgon scored 18 points for the Jam, all in the first half. Trey Johnson added 13 points, and Justin Reed 12 points and 14 rebounds for Bakersfield, which out-rebounded the D-Fenders 47-33.
NBA G League Stories from April 9, 2008
- L.A. loses to Jam 98-87, giving Western Division crown to Idaho - Bakersfield Jam
- Stampede add two players to roster - Idaho Stampede
- Skyforce Acquires Milone Clark - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
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