Player of the Week: Patrick Christopher (Iowa Energy)

Christopher had a big week to cap the D-League regular season. He averaged 28.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and two assists per game as Iowa won two of its three games. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Cal had the biggest scoring output of the week with 47 points while shooting 19-of-29 from the floor on Friday. After going undrafted in 2010, Christopher spent his earlier professional years overseas. This was his first season in the D-League and he had a very successful campaign. Christopher and the Iowa Energy will take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the opening round of the playoffs this week.

Game of the Week: Fort Wayne Mad Ants 129, Los Angeles D-Fenders 128 (2OT)

In a battle of two playoff teams, it took two overtimes to ultimately decide this one.

Terrance Williams knocked down a pair of free throws with 21.3 seconds left in double overtime to give the D-Fenders a 128-127 lead. On the following possession, Fort Wayne missed a three that was rebounded by the D-Fenders, but Matt Bouldin stole the rebound and made the game-winning layup. Travis Hyman tipped in a missed shot for the D-Fenders, but was ruled to be after the buzzer.

Sadiel Rojas had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the Mad Ants. Ron Howard finished with 23 points, eight assists, and six rebounds while Tim Ohlbrecht had 21 points and six rebounds. Trey McKinney-Jones contributed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

For the D-Fenders, James Southerland had a game-high 28 points to go with five rebounds. Terrence Williams had a stat-stuffing 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists while Shawne Williams also had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Josiah Turner added 16 points and eight assists off the bench.

Five Stars

Justin Brownlee (Erie Bayhawks): The 6-foot-7 forward from St. John’s ended the season with some big scoring nights although Erie lost all three games this week. Brownlee averaged 30.7 points, 5.7 points, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 56 percent from the floor and 45 percent (10-22) from three. He ended the season on a high note and should have some interest to play on Summer League rosters.

Ike Diogu (Bakersfield Jam): Diogu had arguably the best second half in the D-League and finished the season strong. In three games this week, the 6-foot-9 power forward averaged 26 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 58 percent from the field. He could still be a good late addition to an NBA roster, but at 30-years-old, he doesn’t have as much upside as other D-League prospects.

P.J. Hairston (Texas Legends): Hairston was certainly the most intriguing prospect in the D-League this season after his fallout at North Carolina. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard will be a first round pick in this year’s NBA draft and proved why this past week. He averaged 29.5 points per game while shooting 51 percent from the field and 43 percent (10-23) from deep. Hairston’s size and scoring instincts will give him a chance to make an immediate contribution off an NBA bench.

Kevin Murphy (Idaho Stampede): The top prospect in the D-League averaged 34.7 points and six rebounds per game this week while shooting 54 percent from the field and 41 percent (12-29) from behind the arc. It was fairly surprising that he never received an NBA call-up this year, but he’ll definitely have a chance to make a roster if he has a good showing in the Summer League. Murphy, a second round pick last year, is a quality scorer at the shooting guard position and has the 6-foot-5 frame and length to compete at the next level.

Scott Suggs (Erie Bayhawks): Suggs and Brownlee provided a solid scoring punch this week for the Bayhawks. Suggs, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard, averaged 28.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting 49 percent from the floor and 46 percent (12-26) from three-point range. As a former four-star recruit who attended the University of Washington, Suggs had a nice rookie season in the D-League.

Call-Ups

Damion James (Texas Legends): The former first-round pick worked his way into the NBA by earning a 10-day contract with the San Antonio Spurs. James was averaging 21.1 points and 11.3 rebounds per game since being traded to Texas and obviously made an impression. He’s played five minutes for the Spurs and has attempted one missed shot and grabbed two rebounds. The 6-foot-7 small forward from Texas could be a nice glue-guy at the end of an NBA roster.

Chris Wright (Maine Red Claws): Wright earned his second 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks this season after averaging 19.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game in Maine. The ultra athletic 6-foot-9 small forward from Dayton had four points while shooting 2-of-2 from the field in 16 minutes since his return. He added four rebounds and three steals, but went 0-of-4 from the free throw line. Wright has the build and athleticism to fit into an NBA rotation.

And One: The 2014 NBA D-League Playoff matchups were released on Sunday. Each matchup will be a best-of-three series with the first postseason game occurring on Tuesday. The Fort Wayne Mad Ants will play the Reno Bighorns, the Los Angeles D-Fenders will play the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Iowa Energy will face the Rio Grande Valley Vippers, and the Sioux Falls Skyforce will play the Canton Charge. Fort Wayne ended the year with the best record and enters the playoffs with a six game winning streak and a 19-5 record since February. They’ll certainly be the favorites to win it all.