D-Fenders Sweep Jam to Reach NBA D-League Finals

EL SEGUNDO, CA – The Los Angeles D-Fenders toppled the Bakersfield Jam 109-90 to complete the series sweep and advance to the NBA Development League Finals for the first time in franchise history.

After getting outscored by 10 points in the first quarter, the D-Fenders (2-0) limited the Jam to 35.7 percent shooting and forced 8 turnovers in the second quarter to enter the half with a 52-50 lead.  The D-Fenders defensive intensity carried into the second half as they never trailed and led by as many as 26 points in the series clinching victory at Toyota Sports Center.

Mardy Collins finished with 23 points (10-15 FG), nine assists, five rebounds and four steals, Elijah Millsap totaled 23 points, five rebounds and four steals, and Orien Greene tallied 16 points, nine assists and three steals for the D-Fenders. 

Additionally, Otis George scored 14 points (7-10 FG), Malcolm Thomas recorded a 12-point (6-8 FG), 11-rebound double-double, while Andre Ingram contributed 11 points [4-7 FG]) for the D-Fenders, who shot 57.1 percent from the field on Saturday night.

Bakersfield (0-2) was paced by Derrick Byars (18 points), Adam Koch (13 points, 7 rebounds) and Brian Butch (12 points, 12 rebounds).  Meanwhile, Juan Pattillo registered 10 points along with 11 rebounds, and Trey Johnson pitched in 10 points for the Jam team that was limited to 40.5 percent from the floor and forced into 18 turnovers.

Los Angeles’ NBA D-League Finals opponent will be the winner of the Austin-Canton series.  After finishing as the top seed in the regular season with a record of 38-12 (best in league history), the D-Fenders will have home court advantage in the best-of-three series.  The D-Fenders will play Game 1 on the road before returning home for Game 2 and 3 (if necessary).