D-Fenders Hand Vipers First Loss

Published on November 29, 2007 under NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


EL SEGUNDO, CA - Forward Sean Banks led seven D-Fenders in double-figures with 28 points and 6 rebounds, as Los Angeles took care of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers Thursday at STAPLES Center, 123-111.

Los Angeles was able to improve their record to 2-1, while Rio Grande Valley (3-1) lost for the first time in franchise history. Behind an improved defense, the D-Fenders took control of the game after halftime. Los Angeles came out of the locker room strong, starting the third quarter with an 8-0 run to break the halftime tie.

Newly acquired Coby Karl started the game strong, scoring 14 points in the first half; Karl, who was assigned to the D-Fenders by the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, finished the night with 19, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Karl's father, Denver Nuggets Head Coach George Karl, was in attendance to watch the game as the Lakers vs. Nuggets game followed.

"It was great for me to get out there. I love competing and I love being part of the team," said Karl. "It was good to get on the floor in the STAPLES Center and it was a good opportunity for me and the team to get a win."

Vipers guard CJ Watson nearly recorded the first triple-double of the NBA D-League season with 22 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Forward Steve Novak, on assignment from the Houston Rockets, finished the night with 21 points and 5 boards.

"I thought that it was a fun game. It was really just two teams going at it," said D-Fenders Head Coach Dan Panaggio. "We kept our concentration and they finally cracked and we won the ballgame. We had seven guys in double figures."

Vipers Head Coach Bob Hoffman was ejected with 4:24 remaining in the game after receiving his second technical foul. Forward Trent Strickland soon followed Hoffman to the locker room when he was tossed after a Flagrant Type 2 foul was called with 2:13 left.

The D-Fenders will travel for the first time to take on Western Division rival Anaheim Arsenal Saturday night. The Vipers will head home to face-off with the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Saturday.

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NBA G League Stories from November 29, 2007


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