Los Angeles Grab First Win of New Year

Published on January 2, 2009 under NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


EL SEGUNDO, CA - The Los Angeles D-Fenders tipped-off the New Year with a 106-101 victory over the Dakota Wizards Friday afternoon at STAPLES Center.

Los Angeles (4-9) came away with the win behind a strong fourth quarter in which they outscored the Wizards 32-21. D-Fenders guard Dwayne Mitchell stepped up and hit all 10 of his free throw attempts, four of which came in the final minute. Mitchell finished the night with 18 points and six rebounds.

"We made our free throws. When the game was up for grabs and we were exchanging baskets in the last couple of minutes, we continued to score;" said D-Fenders head coach Dan Panaggio. "We moved the ball really well and that just makes it easier for everybody."

The D-Fenders reserves sparked the win with strong contributions from Brandon Heath and C.J. Giles, outscoring the Wizards bench 54-15. Heath came off the bench to knock down 14 points, hitting four of six from behind the arc, and Giles posted his second consecutive double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Los Angeles recorded 26 assists on 38 field goals.

Dakota, winners of seven of their last eight games, had their three-game winning streak snapped, sending their record to 8-7 on the season. Led by guard Blake Ahearn's game-high 23 points, Dakota was able to extend their lead to six points after three quarters, before falling in the final minutes. Newly acquired Richard Hendrix finished the night with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

"(Bench play) gave us a huge lift;" added Panaggio. "Brandon (Heath) gave us a huge scoring lift and of course CJ had 18 and 10. They worked out really well (coming off the bench)."

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