Local News
Los Angeles Lakers Conclude Summer League with Thrilling Win over Clippers
D’Moi Hodge Dominates with Impressive 23-Point Performance
In an exhilarating finish to the NBA Summer League, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a hard-fought victory against their city rivals, the LA Clippers, with a thrilling 104-103 victory. While the Lakers celebrated their triumph, it was British Virgin Islander D’Moi Hodge who stole the spotlight, showcasing his exceptional skills and contributing a remarkable 23 points to the Lakers’ winning effort.
After a season that fell short of reaching the postseason, the Lakers were determined to end their summer schedule on a high note.
The Lakers were missing their top player, Max Christie, who was sidelined after the first three games. Additionally, first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino was unable to play due to a minor groin issue. With key players absent, the Lakers had to rely on other sources of offense.
Despite the challenges, the Lakers started strong with Colin Castleton making an impact in the paint and Cole Swider knocking down shots from beyond the arc. However, the Clippers responded with their own offensive firepower, led by first-round pick Kobe Brown.
As the first quarter came to a close, the Clippers held a 28-22 lead, taking advantage of some turnovers from the Lakers. However, the Lakers regrouped and came out with renewed energy in the second quarter. LJ Figueroa spearheaded a 7-0 run, propelling the Lakers into the lead. Swider continued his hot shooting, while Brown, unfortunately, rolled his ankle and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
With D’Moi Hodge sinking a late three-pointer, the Lakers entered halftime with a slim 48-47 advantage. Swider carried his shooting prowess into the third quarter, even converting a four-point play. However, Xavier Moon’s deep shooting helped the Clippers regain the lead.
Heading into the final quarter, the Lakers found themselves trailing 79-74. But Hodge quickly led a 5-0 run to tie the game, and Figueroa’s highlight-worthy dunk put the Lakers back on top at 87-85.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with Hodge continuing to shine for the Lakers. With just a minute left on the clock, the Clippers had a chance to take the lead, but a crucial turnover sealed their fate. Figueroa capitalized on the opportunity, making a layup to go up by three points.
Despite some missed free throws by Figueroa in the closing moments, Matt Morgan’s late triple with 0.4 seconds left wasn’t enough for the Clippers. Swider was fouled on the subsequent inbounds pass and made the free throw, securing the Lakers’ one-point victory.
Hodge emerged as the leading scorer for the Lakers, contributing an impressive 23 points, along with five rebounds, three assists, five steals, and a block. He showcased his shooting prowess by sinking seven three-pointers. Swider also made a significant impact with five triples of his own, finishing with 21 points. Figueroa added 23 points to the Lakers’ total, while Castleton recorded an impressive double-double with 13 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and a block.
With the Summer League now concluded, the Lakers will reflect on their performances and look ahead to the upcoming season. D’Moi Hodge’s standout performance in this final game serves as a promising sign for the Lakers and offers a glimpse into his potential impact as the team moves forward.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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