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Clutch Play Nets D-Fenders Win over Long Island

December 19, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


BROOKLYN, New York - The Los Angeles D-Fenders defeated the Long Island Nets on Monday at the Barclays Center, 114-106.

In what became a one possession game with less than three minutes to go, the visiting team delivered down the stretch to earn the victory, most notably converting on 39-of-43 free throw attempts on the day while Long Island shot 20-of-32 from the charity stripe.

Los Angeles (11-4) was led by Vander Blue who recorded season-highs with 32 points and seven rebounds, good for his second consecutive 30-point outing. Jeff Ayres delivered a season-high 21 points in 22 minutes of action, while David Nwaba (13), Josh Magette (11) and Justin Harper (10) each finished in double figures.

Long Island (4-12) was paced by 22 points from Yogi Ferrell and 20 points from Chris McCullough. J.J. Moore added 14 for the home team, while Trahson Burrell (14 points, 15 rebounds) and Donnie McGrath (10 points, 10 assists) each contributed double-doubles.

The D-Fenders fell behind through one quarter, 29-26, as the Nets racked up 20 points in the paint off of seven Los Angeles turnovers. Blue became a focal point of the offense in the second quarter, even scoring seven straight LA points as he would finish with nine in the frame. Ayres and Roscoe Smith each added six points off the bench to spur a 59-53 halftime advantage for the visitors.

The third quarter remained close until the D-Fenders used a 10-0 run in the period's final four minutes to go up by double digits for the first time. Blue accounted for 12 points in the frame and Ayres had seven as Los Angeles led 92-79 through three.

Long Island answered the Los Angeles run in the fourth quarter, putting together their own 17-4 streak to open the frame and force a tie at 96. The D-Fenders shot just 22.2 percent in the final period and did not hit a single three-pointer, but the team converted on 14-of-15 free throw attempts to seal the win down the stretch as Long Island faced must-foul situations.

The two teams combined for nine lead changes and seven ties on the day. Los Angeles would finish with a 43.9 percentage from the field, compared to a 41.7 clip for the Nets.

The D-Fenders now prepare for a quick turnaround as they will take on the Westchester Knicks at 4 p.m. PT on Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the team's third back-to-back series of the year.



NBA G League Stories from December 19, 2016


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