D-Fenders Get Cornered By Stampede

Published on December 15, 2006 under NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


LOS ANGELES, Calif.- The Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League started hot tonight at STAPLES Center, but could not sustain their momentum, dropping their first match against the Idaho Stampede 96-86.

Led by newly acquired forward T.J. Cummings, the D-Fenders jumped out to an early lead. Cummings provided a spark with 9 first quarter points off the bench giving the D-Fenders a five point advantage by the end of the period.

Idaho quickly countered the D-Fenders early solid play with a huge second quarter surge. Idaho outscored Los Angeles

36-14 in the quarter with aggressive defense and accurate shooting. The Stampede connected on 79% of their shots in the quarter, including two 3-pointers, giving them a 17 point edge at the half.

The D-Fenders second half attempted comeback was unsuccessful. Los Angeles was able to frequently trim the lead late in the game, but the large deficit was too much to overcome.

Los Angeles guard Devin Green led the team with a game-high 20 points. Cummings finished the contest with 19 points, shooting 9-13 from the field.

"It's great to be back in L.A. I'm just trying to get my timing down. My biggest thing is just to get acclimated to the plays," said ex-UCLA star Cummings.

Idaho was led by guard Ronnell Taylor. Taylor finished the game with 18 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. Forward Jeff Graves produced 13 points and a game-high 12 rebounds for the Stampede.

"I thought Jeff Graves did a great job for us on the glass. I'm proud of our guys. We buckled down and got the win," said Idaho Head Coach Bryan Gates.

Los Angeles now rests at .500 (5-5) with this loss, while the Stampede leads the series 1-0 and will improve to .333 (3-6) overall.

The D-Fenders hit the road for the remainder of the month with visits to Dakota, Arkansas, Austin, and Bakersfield. They return home to STAPLES Center after the New Year to host the Dakota Wizards on Friday, January 5, before the Lakers game, with a 3:30pm tip off.

On July 31st of this year the Los Angeles Lakers announced that they had become the first NBA franchise in history to own an NBA Development League team. The Los Angeles D-Fenders play their home games at STAPLES Center pre and post Lakers home games. The Lakers devoted fans were given the opportunity to name the NBA D-League team in an online naming contest.

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