DeAndre Liggins wins NBA D-League championship with Sioux Falls

Former University of Kentucky star DeAndre Liggins had a double-double and the Sioux Falls Skyforce rolled to a 91-63 victory against the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the deciding Game 3 of the NBA D-League’s championship series on Wednesday night.

Liggins, the league’s Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in the past three seasons, finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and a game-high six assists. He also had one steal and one blocked shot.

“It’s everybody’s goal, to get to this point. And we’re here,” Liggins said, according to a report on the league’s website. “I’ve been around a great group of guys all year. I’m kind of sad that this (is) our last game, but I’m happy at the same time.”

Jarnell Stokes, who played in college at Tennessee, scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, both game highs, for the Skyforce. Stokes, the regular-season MVP, was also named the finals’ MVP.

“One of the biggest things that stuck out about this team is how tough we are with each other,” Stokes said. “We’re very tough-minded. We’re almost like demons on the court. But I’m starting to realize the more I’m here how much guys really love each other. Like, we really want to see each other do well. And I think that’s what sets us apart from any other team.”

The D-Fenders were led by Josh Magette (Alabama-Huntsville), who had 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and thee steals.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 11:12 PM with the headline "DeAndre Liggins wins NBA D-League championship with Sioux Falls."