Stampede to play Austin Toros in finals
April 19, 2008 - NBA G League (G League)
Idaho Stampede News Release
BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Stampede and the Austin Toros will play for the 2008 NBA Development League Championship presented by Delta in a best-of-three Finals series beginning on Monday, April 21 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. MST.
The regular season West Division champions, the Stampede advanced to the Finals with a 97-90 victory over Los Angeles D-Fenders on Friday. The Toros, the Southwest Division Champion advanced by defeating the Sioux Falls Skyforce, 99-93, tonight in Austin.
For Game 1, even though the team will be on the road, a Stampede Finals Fan Fest will be taking place on Monday night at Qwest Arena. Doors will open at 5:30 pm MST and the Fan Fest will be FREE to the general public. Fans will be able to sit courtside and enjoy watching the Stampede take on the Austin Toros on the in-arena video board. Fans will also be able to shoot hoops on the Stampede Floor, kids will be able to jump in the jumpy-clown for free, and fans can get their picture taken with the Idaho Stampede's NBA Development League Western Division Trophy and get an up close look at Coach Gates' Coach of the Year trophy.
During the Stampede Finals Fan Fest there will be a special 25% discount on all Stampede merchandise with the exception of youth jerseys and basketballs. The Stampede Spirit dance team, as well as the Stampede mascot, Rumble, will be available to sign autographs. Qwest Arena concessions will be open to purchase food and drink.
For Game 2 at Qwest Arena on Thursday night, it's Fan Appreciation Night and kids can attend Game 2 of the Finals for only $2. Adults can purchase tickets in specific sections for the face values of $19, $14, and $11, while kids (under 18 years) can get tickets for only $2. The kids tickets will be provided next to the adult tickets and there is a maximum of five kids tickets per one adult ticket.
By virtue of their league-leading regular season record, the Stampede secured home court advantage and will host games two and three of the Finals. Game two will take place at Qwest Arena in Boise, ID on Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. MST, game three will be played on Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. MST also at Qwest Arena if necessary.
Austin and Idaho met twice during the regular season, with Austin taking both games. Austin is led by Andre Barrett and Ian Mahinmi, on assignment from the San Antonio Spurs. Barrett averaged 17.2 points this season for the Toros, while Mahinmi averaged 16.8 during the regular season. In tonight's game against Sioux Falls, Mahinmi finished with game-highs of 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Barrett chipped in with 21 points and five assists. Idaho is led by D-League and NBA veteran Randy Livingston who averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 assists during the regular season and finished with 10 points and eight assists in the Stampede's second-round playoff victory over the D-Fenders.
The Finals schedule is as follows: Game 1: Idaho Stampede @ Austin Toros - Monday, April 21, 6:00 p.m. MST Game 2: Austin Toros @ Idaho Stampede - Thursday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. MST Game 3: Austin Toros @ Idaho Stampede - Friday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. MST (if necessary)
NBA G League Stories from April 19, 2008
- Stampede to play Austin Toros in finals - Idaho Stampede
- Toros defeat Skyforce, advance to NBA D-League Finals - Austin Spurs
- D-League Finals Schedule Set - Series to Feature Idaho Stampede and Austin Toros - G League
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Idaho Defeats Los Angeles In Semi-Finals - Idaho Stampede
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