Lakers win in OT and the DFenders match with a win vs OKC BLUE

Blue vs Blue?

The match between the Los Angeles DFenders and the Oklahoma City Blue seemed that way at times as Vander Blue, especially in the second quarter, drove by anyone trying to guard him and finished at the rim or with short pull-up jumpers.  His 9 first half points "seemed" like twice that as he was scoring with determination and ease.  He finished with 27 on 10-19 FGs.  NBA Scouts have been watching him closely as of late and despite what the NBA D-League "Prospect List" says, with BLUE being #8, he is arguably the top player in the league.  Jamaal Franklin, who got bumped to #2 on "that" list finished with a nice Trip Dub of  11, 12, and 10.  Regulation ended with the teams knotted at 97 and the DFenders were LUCKY to get the dub: 106-105.

(Vander) Blue, blew by the (OKC) Blue

The Nitty Gritty:

OKC Blue was 18-29 from the charity stripe and some of these opportunities were a result of some really bad officiating, including what would have been another block by Varnado in Qtr 4 that resulted in two makes (FTs)

Speaking of the officiating, there were about 6-7 "Pow wows" where the refs got together to discuss or review things like a supposed "travelling violation."  We fans were also blessed with a pow wow that resulted in putting ".2" back on before the half ended.  OH, the drama

Jarvis Varnado took home POG (Player-of-the-Game) Honors.  He started quick with 6 of his 14 points in Qtr 1.  BUT, it was ALL about his defensive presence at the rim.  THIS has been something that the DFenders have been lacking.  Dude was quick off his feet and was all around the ball down low, including help situations.  This led to a "recorded" 4 blocks.  He had at least one taken from him on a bad call and he altered numerous others that clearly helped them get the W.  He also grabbed 10 Boards.

Varnado held things down on D, en route to the POG

Scouting Report:

This win doesn't happen without the efforts of Dexter Strickland, Andre Ingram, and Will Sheehey.  Strickland showed speed, quickness and leadership on the floor while making good decisions with the rock.  Ingram is just a solid, solid player who helps lock guys down on defense and hit key shots down the stretch.  Sheehey added 15 pts with 3-4 Three Pointers, including back-to-back crucial trey balls in the Fourth.

Sheehey Shooting treys with ease

But, look out for Jarvis Varnado.  Dude has the size.  He has the length.  And, he has pogo-stick-quicks with his hops that enable him to alter and block shots in spite of not having much help on the interior D.  If he doesn't play, the DFenders lose this one.

Parting Shots

AC getting recognition for his work with the Salvation Army

Kids with the Salvation Army Charity gather with AC

Future Laker Girls? Dancers from the South Coast Conservatory put on a NICE halftime show