D-Fenders Win Streak Ends in Loss to Sioux Falls
December 29, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release
EL SEGUNDO - Facing off in a rematch of last year's NBA D-League Finals, Los Angeles and visiting Sioux Falls did not disappoint in what became an instant offensive thriller. But it was the D-Fenders that came up on the losing end, falling 128-125 at the Toyota Sports Center while snapping a four-game win streak.
Los Angeles (13-5) was led by Vander Blue's 27 points, while Josh Magette tallied a career-high with 24 points and 13 assists, good for his sixth double-double of the year. Justin Harper (19 points, 11 rebounds) added his seventh double-double of the 2016-17 season, and Ivica Zubac (15 points, nine rebounds) and David Nwaba (11 points) each finished in double figures.
Sioux Falls (14-4) enjoyed career nights from Okaro White and Marcus Posley, who finished with 36 points and 29 points, respectively. Keith Benson added the team's only double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Briante Weber (14 points, seven assists, six rebounds) and Ike Nwamu (11 points, five rebounds) each scored in double digits for the Skyforce.
The first frame provided a glimpse of the offensive output that was to come as the D-Fenders tallied a 37-35 lead after 12 minutes of play, tying their best first-quarter performance of the year. Magette led the team with 10 points, while the Skyforce's White led all scorers with 13.
The second quarter was a closely contested affair, as neither team would lead by more than six points. Nwaba led the D-Fenders with seven points behind a balanced scoring effort. Sioux Falls was anchored by Posley, who connected on 4-of-4 attempts from three-point range, scoring 17 points and forcing a 69-69 tie at the half. Another tight-knit third quarter would follow, and the D-Fenders entered the fourth frame trailing, 105-103.
Los Angeles would pull to within one point of the Skyforce with 6:04 to play. However, seven points from Benson sparked an 8-0 Sioux Falls run that gave the visiting team a nine-point lead with 3:11 remaining. The D-Fenders responded with their own 8-0 run to tie the game at 125 with 65 seconds left on the clock. Magette worked to set up a last shot for the D-Fenders in the game's closing seconds, but Weber - one of the league's top prospects - stripped the ball and converted on the go-ahead layup to clinch the victory.
Overall, the D-Fenders won the advantage in percentage from the field (.494-.464) and free throw line (.933-.800), but the team was slowed by 20 turnovers and a total of four technical fouls.
The D-Fenders will be back in action against the division rival Northern Arizona Suns at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, at the Toyota Sports Center.
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