The D-Fenders 2011-12 season was arguably the most successful single season that any NBA Development League franchise has ever recorded. Returning from a seasons hiatus, the D-Fenders made it clear from training camp until Game Three of the NBA D-League Finals that a new era of D-League hoops was underway in Los Angeles.
Team President/CEO Joey Buss and General Manager Glenn Carraro constructed a D-Fenders team that charged through the competition, finishing with a league record 38 wins en route to the first NBA Development League Finals berth in franchise history. More impressively, the D-Fenders won 26 of a possible 28 games (including playoffs), defeated their opponents by an average of 8.4 points, and developed eight NBA Call-Ups and six Lakers assignment players in the process.
As the reigning 2012 Regular Season Champion, Western Conference Champion and NBA Development Champion, which is an award earned by the team that best develops NBA basketball talent via call-ups and assignments, the D-Fenders proved that their focus is on getting players to the next level while also winning games.
2011-12 HIGHLIGHTS
Finished the season with the best record in NBA D-League history at 38-12 record
Equaled the best home record in NBA D-League history at 21-4
Gerald Green (2012 All-Star Game MVP), Elijah Millsap (Shooting Stars participant), Zach Andrews (Slam Dunk Contest participant) and Brandon Costner each tabbed as NBA D-League All-Stars
Head Coach Eric Musselman named Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year
Malcolm Thomas earned First Team All D-League, All D-League Defensive First Team and All D-League Rookie First Team honors
Courtney Fortson and Millsap achieved All D-League Second Team honors
Costner earned to All D-League Third Team and Zach Andrews named All D-League Honorable Mention
Fortson given All D-League Defensive Second Team honors ... 2012 First Overall Draft Pick Jamaal Tinsley set the franchise single-game record for assists (15 assists, 12/5/11 vs. RIO), which was later equaled by Fortson (15 assists, 2/22/12 vs. IDA)
Jamario Moon named Player of the Month (March) and Brandon Costner grabbed Player of the Month (November & December)
Ranked first in opponent field goal percentage during the regular season (44.2 FG%)
Won a franchise record 10 consecutive games (1/30-2/29/12)
Eclipsed franchise mark for most 3-point field goals made in a game (17-28 3FG, 3/28/12 vs. Reno)
Set franchise record for largest margin of victory (127-87, 1/30/12 vs. Canton)
First four triple-doubles in franchise history registered by three different players including Millsap, Fortson and Eniel Polynice.
