Wizards Put A Spell On D-Fenders

Published on January 5, 2007 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 made a strong second half surge in tonight's game at STAPLES Center against the Dakota Wizards, but could not overcome their early first half deficit, dropping the contest 103-101.

The D-Fenders outscored Dakota 54-47 in the second half but could not complete their big comeback in the final moments of the game.

Trailing by 14 in the final quarter, the D-Fenders scratched away at the large deficit and finally caught Dakota at 101-101 with 1:02 to play.

"The final 30 seconds were a little of a disappointment. That's when the game could have been won or lost and we didn't execute, and they did," said D-Fenders Head Coach Dan Panaggio.

The Wizards controlled the ball with less than 4 seconds remaining in the game. Renaldo Major tipped in a loose ball on the offensive glass with 0.2 seconds on the clock, giving Dakota the victory.

Major finished with a game-high 22 points. He also added 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Dakota forward Alfred Neale came off the bench to knock down five 3-pointers, giving him a total of 15 points.

"We're fortunate to get out of here with a win. If you have a chance to put a team away then you have to put them away," said Wizards Head Coach Dave Joerger.

Los Angeles was led by backcourt mates Brian Chase and Jackie Manuel. The two combined for 6 shots from beyond the arc. Chase finished the contest with 20 points while Manuel added 17. Forward T.J. Cummings chipped in with 19 for the D-Fenders.

Tonight's match-up leaves the series tied at 1-1 and with this loss Los Angeles sits at 9-7 (.563) overall.

The D-Fenders are home at STAPLES Center this weekend and will host the Idaho Stampede on Sunday, January 7, before the Lakers game, with a 2:30pm tip off.

Having a Lakers ticket for a STAPLES Center home game is also your ticket to a lower level seat for the D-Fenders. Lakers season ticket holders who attend a D-Fenders home game will receive a special gift, while supplies last, by visiting the Season Ticket Holder Booth on the main concourse at the Figueroa Street Entrance.

On July 31, 2006 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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