Last week saw the Texas Legends’ six-game win streak come to an end, but when all was said and done, they were still in the playoff hunt, just four games behind the Sioux Falls SkyForce for that elusive eighth seed in the upcoming 2014 NBA D-League playoffs.
W Texas Legends (21-22) Vs. Maine Red Claws (17-24)—139-120
The Texas Legends pushed their season-long winning streak to six in convincing fashion as they dominated the Red Claws from the tipoff to the final whistle, outscoring them in every quarter.
James Nunnally was an unstoppable madman with the ball, netting 35 points to lead all scorers on the night. Damion James (16 pts, 12 reb) and Shane Larkin (21 pts, 11 ast) each had double-doubles, with Fab Melo (15 pts) and Ricky Ledo (14 pts) also having big nights. As a team, the Legends shot a combined 57.7% from beyond the arc, for an eye-popping 45 points in three-pointers.
L Texas Legends (21-23) Vs. Tulsa 66ers (20-24)—89-114
Oh what a difference one game can make. To be fair, the previous night’s game was run by point guard Shane Larkin, who was recalled by the Dallas Mavericks prior to Saturday’s tipoff. Adjusting to a new PG is no easy task, and perhaps that’s why the Legends seemed out of sorts for the majority of the game. Fab Melo, who had really been coming into his own of late, did not play due to a coach’s decision.
The Legends found themselves trailing early—down by 10 after the first quarter. Though dominate early, the 66ers were just getting warmed up. The third quarter saw Tulsa beat the Legends into submission as they went on a 37-14 run.
Booker Woodfox—coming in off the bench—was one of only a few highlights, as he led the Legends in points scored, with 15. Always money from the three-point line, Woodfox connected on 3-of-4 (75%) from beyond the arc. As has become the norm, Damion James knocked down another double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Player Spotlight: Shane Larkin
There is no dearth of exciting narrative played out as former top-flight college basketball stars start their segue from hoops dreams to an NBA reality.
But few stories are as intriguing as current Maverick and occasional Legend Shane Larkin’s. And in a rare glimpse behind the scenes, much of Larkin’s journey can be seen via a major network documentary.
Aired locally last Saturday via Channel 11, the CBS Sports production provides a telling walk-through of the unseen adversity that can strike two players destined for NBA stardom.
Summer Dreams chronicles the lives of 2013 NBA Draft first-round picks Michael Carter-Williams (11th overall) and Shane Larkin (18th pick) from Draft Night to the midpoint of the 2013-2014 NBA season.
Here’s hoping that Larkin, the son of former Cincinnati Reds shortstop and Hall of Fame member Barry Larkin, can create an even better storyline with a long career with the Dallas Mavericks.
Upcoming Texas Legends Games
The Texas Legends return home this Wednesday for a matchup with the Bakersfield Jam (21-23) at 7:00 PM. And on Thursday, it’s the Tulsa 66ers (20-24) paying a visit to the Dr. Pepper Arena. All game are broadcast live via the Texas Legends’ official YouTube channel.
