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D-Fenders Go Green at 2012 NBA D-League Showcase

Published on January 11, 2012 under NBA G League (G League) News Release


RENO, NEV., Jan. 11, 2012 - Their uniforms are purple and gold, but the Los Angeles D-Fenders mixed in a ton of green today.

Gerald Green, a former first-round pick of the Boston Celtics in 2005, exploded for 34 points as the D-Fenders overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Maine Red Claws, 106-94 in the opening game of Wednesday's action at the 2012 NBA D-League Showcase.

Green shot 13-for-17 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from the behind the arc, and added four rebounds and three steals. Known more as a leaper and slasher in his first incarnation as a pro --he won the 2007 NBA Slam Dunk Contest -- Green has clearly worked on his perimeter stroke since coming to the NBA straight from high school and failing to fulfill lofty expectations.

"My teammates did an excellent job of getting me open looks today, and I was able knock down shots," said Green, who was in training camp with the Lakers in December. "I think the key for us, though, was picking up our defensive intensity in the second half. Coach (Eric Musselman) told us at the half if we didn't dig in defensively, this team was going to take advantage, and we listened and got the job done."

Play was spirited and physical throughout, but clearly intensified in the second half. Early in the fourth quarter, the D-Fenders' Brandon Costner went up for a defensive rebound with teammate Courtney Fortson. After wrestling the ball away from the much smaller Fortson, Costner scowled before handing the ball over to his point guard.

Fortson went down to the other end and scored. He then scored on the following possession, as the D-Fenders began to gradually pull away. Fortson finished with 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Elijah Millsap added 17 points for Los Angeles (15-6).

Jerome Randle, who was in training camp with the Dallas Mavericks, led the Red Claws with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting, to go with five rebounds and four assists. He also committed a game-high eight turnovers. Maine (6-13) finished with 22 turnovers for the game. Lawrence Hill had a strong game for Maine, finishing with 22 points on 8-for-9 shooting, and added nine rebounds.

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