Thunderbirds Win Over Weekend Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
April 9, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 9, 2007 - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds kept their playoff hopes alive this past weekend with a convincing 126-99 win over the Bakersfield Jam on Saturday. The Thunderbirds still have a chance to clinch the final spot in the Western Division of the playoffs, with two more wins. The Thunderbirds have their final home game of the season this Wednesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at Tingley Coliseum against Bakersfield. The final game of the season will be played on Friday evening at the Broomfield Event Center against the Colorado 14ers.
"This will be the final chance for fans to come support the Thunderbirds in the 2006-07 season", said Team President Billy Widner. "We hope to see everyone come out and support the team, and to also give us the 6th Man advantage against the Jam. It will also be Coach Cooper's final home game with the Thunderbirds, so we would love to see everyone there".
The Thunderbirds are seeking to secure a spot in the playoffs for the second time in two years. With the L.A. D-Fenders dropping two games this weekend to the Anaheim Arsenal. The Thunderbirds have the opportunity to control their own destiny. If the Thunderbirds win both games this week, they make the playoffs.
Wednesday April 11 will be Fan Appreciation Day. General admission tickets are only $5.00 and free tickets are available at Isleta Casino & Resort or Karl Malone Toyota until 5pm on Game Day. It will also be NBA Night presented by Adidas and the Thunderbirds will wear Phoenix Suns Uniforms. These special jerseys will be auctioned off after the game with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.
The first 1,000 fans to arrive at Tingley Coliseum on Wednesday the 11th will receive a team poster and players will be available immediately after the game for autographs.
Thunderbirds 2007-08 season tickets are already on sale and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com or at Thunderbirds Front Office. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders (Calif.), Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams for the 2007-08 season have already been announced in Orem, Utah, the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas and Des Moines, Iowa.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. In addition to the assignment of 24 players to D-League affiliates, there have also been 18 GATORADE Call-Ups from the D-League to the NBA this season. Additionally, every referee hired by the NBA since 2002 has worked in the D-League, while coaches, athletic trainers and front office executives are also being developed. As part of NBA All-Star 2007, the D-League hosted its first-ever Gillette All-Star Game presented by 24 Hour Fitness that took place at NBA Jam Session.
Established to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit D-LEAGUE.com.
For more information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
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