D-Fenders Extend League's Best Record in Win over Bull
February 25, 2017 - NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release
EL SEGUNDO - Facing off against Windy City for the first time, Los Angeles defeated the Bulls on Friday at the Toyota Sports Center, 115-111. The win moves the D-Fenders to a league-best 28-9 on the year.
Los Angeles guard Vander Blue led all scorers with 27 points, while rookie David Nwaba impressed with a line of 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks. Forward Justin Harper also contributed 20 points, going along with five rebounds and two assists. Meanwhile, Julian Jacobs (14 points), DeJuan Blair (12 points) and Josh Magette (10 points, nine assists) each scored in double figures.
Windy City (14-19) was paced by a 20-point, 16-rebound performance from Alfonzo McKinnie. Alec Brown's 16 points and 14 rebounds were also good for a double-double. Aaron Thomas (18 points), Will Bynum (17 points, seven assists) and Jarell Eddie (15 points) made up the other double-digit scorers for the Bulls.
In a game that included five lead changes and six ties, the home team stayed true to their D-Fenders name, forcing 22 Windy City turnovers off of 14 steals. This, in part, helped Los Angeles overcome a 60-40 deficit in rebounding. L.A. also connected on 41 percent of their attempts from the field.
The D-Fenders got off to a slow start and did not take their first lead of the game until the 5:27 mark of the second quarter. Despite trailing by seven after the first frame, L.A. led 58-56 at halftime.
Windy City built up a 13-point lead - their largest of the game - in the early portions of the fourth quarter, but as they've done all year, the D-Fenders surged back in the game's final minutes. From that point, Los Angeles outscored the Bulls 37-20 behind 11 fourth quarter points from Harper.
Los Angeles will be back in action this weekend against the Northern Arizona Suns, a matchup currently set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Prescott Valley Event Center.
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About the Los Angeles D-Fenders: The NBA Development League's Los Angeles D-Fenders return for the team's 10th season of competition in 2016-17. The first franchise in D-League history to be owned by an NBA team, the D-Fenders franchise has established itself as a top producer of NBA-ready talent, totaling 23 NBA Call-Ups and developing 18 Lakers assignment players since the inaugural 2006-07 season. The D-Fenders have claimed two division titles and have twice participated in the NBA D-League Finals. The franchise will become the South Bay Lakers prior to the 2017-18 season.
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