Wizards Face Central Division Rival Iowa in First Round
April 12, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
Bismarck, N.D. April 12, 2009: The Dakota Wizards will head back to Des Moines, Iowa this week, this time for a one and done match-up with the Central Division champions, the Iowa Energy in the first round of the NBA D-League Playoffs. Game time is set for 7:00 PM CT on Thursday, April 16th.
Iowa finished the season 28-22, including a 130-120 victory last Thursday. The Energy won the season series against the Wizards 5 games to 2, including two overtime contests. However all games have been much closer, with Iowa only holding an average scoring margin of just 1.5 points per game higher than Dakota.
"Every game against Iowa this season has had a playoff type feel to it, so it's only fitting we play them in the first round of the post season," said Wizards General Manager Tom Wagganer. "They have been a terrific team all season and Coach Nurse has done a tremendous job with all of the NBA call-ups they have had. It's going to be a battle, but I know our guys will be ready."
Exact dates and times for all first round match-ups will be announced Monday. The winner of the Iowa and Dakota match-up will take on the winner of the Utah Flash and Bakersfield Jam contest in the second round.
The Wizards enter their third straight appearance in the NBA D-League post season. Last year they lost in the first round at home to the Sioux Falls Skyforce, while the 2006-07 season found Dakota hoisting the D-League Championship Trophy in their first season in the league. The Wizards have made the playoffs nine times out of the last 10 years, with eight of those coming with a division title.
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