Skyforce Win Second Game With D-Fenders

Published on December 6, 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 suffered a close loss to the Sioux Falls Skyforce

98-90 on the STAPLES Center hardwood tonight. This was the second meeting of the two teams, with their east vs. west series standing at a 1-1 split.

Sioux Falls came off the tip fighting tonight, looking to avenge their Monday night loss against Los Angeles. Forward Andre Brown started the Skyforce's momentum with the night's first lay-up one minute into the first quarter. At three minutes into the period Sioux Falls was up 9-4 on the heals of a three-point jump shot and driving lay-up from Frank Williams.

"I was really happy with the way we came out in the first half, I thought we came out and we really were in control of the game," said Skyforce Head Coach McHone.

D-Fenders guard Brian Chase's jump shot helped put the lead in the D-Fenders favor momentarily late in the first quarter, but the Skyforce's Brown tied it 13-13 with a hook shot. Los Angeles couldn't get a foothold and ended the quarter in a 6 point hole with 20-26 on the board.

Forward Luke Whitehead came off the bench hot for the Skyforce earning 13 of his total 19 points against the D-Fenders defense in the second quarter. D-Fenders guard Devin Green made a good showing in the first half with 13 points and going 4-4 from the line; but Los Angeles never regained a lead and took a backseat to the Skyforce closing the first half at 50-39.

"They came out, played hard and executed. They got us down early and we fought back but they just hit big shots down the stretch," said Green.

The D-Fenders pushed hard against the Skyforce at the beginning of the second half. Los Angeles forward Jackie Manual had a promising breakaway, but was foiled by Whitehead with a block at the basket. A jump shot from D-Fenders forward Aloysius Anagonye took the team to within one point of the Skyforce with 56-57.

The D-Fenders defense showed a surge, keeping the lead close until late in the final quarter. Sioux Falls guard Frank Williams had a standout final quarter going 3-4 on treys, 2-2 from the line, and put up 18 points. Williams finished the game with a double-double for 10 assists and 25 points.

"The Skyforce was very well prepared, they matched our intensity - surpassed it actually - and they won the hustle game. But I give our guys credit because we fought back from the deficit, we took a lead and then I think we lost our concentration a bit," said D-Fenders Head Coach Panaggio. "But I give them credit because they kept their poise and I think the game came down to the last three minutes and they executed perfectly."

The D-Fenders host Colorado Friday, November 10, before the Lakers game, at STAPLES Center with a 3:30 tip off. This will be Colorado's first visit to Los Angeles and the second meeting for the two Western Conference teams.

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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NBA G League Stories from December 6, 2006


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