D-Fenders Drop Jam in Game 1

BAKERSFIELD, CA – The Los Angeles D-Fenders defeated the Bakersfield Jam 109-104 in a back-and-forth Game 1 of the NBA Development League Semifinals at the Jam Events Center.

Despite trailing by as many as 23 points in the second quarter, the D-Fenders (1-0) closed the half on a 20-5 run, and then outscored the Jam 38-20 in the third quarter to go up 86-76.  The D-Fenders pushed their lead to as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter and weathered the Jam’s comeback attempt to close out the Thursday night road win.

Elijah Millsap totaled a game-high 34 points (12-23 FG, 7-10 FT), seven rebounds and four steals, Malcolm Thomas finished with 21 points (8-15 FG), eight rebounds and three steals, and Orien Greene tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds along with a game-high five steals for the D-Fenders.  Additionally, Mardy Collins scored 14 points (7-14 FG), grabbed four rebounds and handed out four assists to round out the D-Fenders in double-digits.

Bakersfield (0-1) was paced by Juan Pattillo (28 points [10-14 FG], 8 rebounds, 3 blocks), Jeremy Wise (19 points [12-14 FT]), and Trey Johnson (13 points, 5 assists).  Meanwhile, Renaldo Major scored 11 points for the Jam in the loss.

In a game that included eight lead chances and eight ties, the D-Fenders outscored the Jam 52-28 in points in the paint, 30-8 on second chance points and 16-6 on the fast break.  However, the Jam sank 34 free-throws (34-41 FT) compared to 19 by the D-Fenders (19-23 FT).

Game 2 of the three game semifinals will take place in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 21st at 6:30 p.m.  Catch all the action live from Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, or watch along on NBA Futurecast.