Defending Champs Fall Short In Home Opener
November 24, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BISMARCK, N.D. November 23, 2007: The NBA Development League Champion Dakota Wizards fell tonight 101 - 99 in their home opener against the new expansion team the Iowa Energy.
Chicago Bulls assigned player, guard JamesOn Curry lead all scores with 24 points on the night while dishing five assists. The Energy, who led by as many as 12 points in the first half finished the game with five guys in double figures.
"It's good to get the win on the road", said head coach Nick Nurse. "It's nice to finally see what our guys can do in game situation. We have banged on each other for a while so it's great to get out of here with a win".
A back and forth second half showed the Wizards with a strong come back led by guard Maurice Baker and center Kevin Lyde who combined for 28 points, with the Wizards taking the lead at 7:40 in the third to go up 58-57.
It was a game of streaks however and the Energy struck at the right time in the fourth as they took the lead back at 11:05 mark in the forth and never looked back.
Iowa, 1-0 on the season records their first win as a member of the NBA Development League. Center Dwayne Mitchell helped with that win as he finished with 16 points and five assists, while forward Jeff Horner and Mike Efevberha added 15 points respectively.
The Wizards, 0-1 on the season also had five players in double figures lead by first round draft pick forward Carlos Powell with 22 pts and Five assist. Veteran Maurice Baker finished the evening with 20 pts Starting forward Dontell Jefferson and center Kevin lyde nailed a double double in the loss as Jefferson had 18 points and dished 13 assists while Lyde had 14 pts and 18 rebounds.
The Dakota Wizards return to action tomorrow night as they play the Iowa Energy again at the Bismarck Civic Center, Tip off set for 7:00 pm CT.
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