Sioux Falls Skyforce Win Streak at Seven

Through the first ten games of the season, the Los Angeles D-Fenders have outscored their opponents by a total of 35 points.  Unfortunately, a string of close losses overshadows the affiliate of the Lakers accomplishments this season.  The Sioux Falls Skyforce is the next team in line to edge the D-Fenders with a 114-106 triumph in front of 3,091 at the Sanford Pentagon.

For the first three quarters, the game was a showcase for L.A.’s star guard Manny Harris as he scored at will from inside and outside.    The former Cleveland Cavalier had posted 29 points with one quarter to go and the D-Fenders (3-7)  were able to keep the lead at every quarter break.

Harris finished with only 31 and those two were in the final seconds to determine the final score.  Skyforce guard John Allen explains why Harris got shut down.  “A lot of that goes to DeAndre Liggins.  Harris is a great player and puts up a lot of points.   DeAndre just kind of buckled down and took (the challenge) personally to slow him down.”    As if there needed to be any more proof that if the best basketball is played in the fourth quarter and the hole is not too deep the wins are for the taking.

The Skyforce (10-2) win streak has reached seven games and Liggins put together another terrific all-around performance with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks.  Other contributions came from A.J. Davis who scored a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, Ryan Evans (18 points, 9 rebounds), and Justin Hamilton (17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks).  The dark side of the victory comes in the form of a right leg injury to starting point guard Larry Drew II who exited the game in the third quarter after scoring on a drive to the basket.  His availability for the Saturday night contest between the same two teams is in serious doubt.  For Los Angeles, C.J. Williams posted 21 and former NBA veteran Jamario Moon poured in 17 points.