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D-Fenders Outlast Energy at 2013 NBA Development League Showcase

January 9, 2013 - NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


RENO, NV - The Los Angeles D-Fenders knocked off the Iowa Energy in their second game at the 2013 NBA Development League Showcase, earning an 87-82 victory at the Reno Events Center on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles (6-8) jumped out to an early 17-16 lead after the first quarter but fell behind 42-39 at the end of the second quarter despite forcing Iowa into 15 turnovers in the first half. The Energy increased their lead to five points midway through the third quarter, however, the D-Fenders entered the fourth up by two points (61-59 lead) and increased it to as many as eight before holding on for the five-point win. The victory snapped the D-Fenders four-game losing streak and netted them a 1-1 record at this year's NBA D-League Showcase.

Courtney Fortson tallied a team-high 25 points to go along with seven rebounds, five assists and four steals, Ronald Dupree notched his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Elijah Millsap dropped in 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the D-Fenders. In addition, Gary Flowers (11 points, 4 rebounds) and Jarrid Famous (10 points, 5 rebounds) contributed double-digit scoring efforts for the D-Fenders, who suited up just eight players tonight.

Iowa (5-10) was led by Morris Almond (game-high 34 points, 5 rebounds) and Paul Harris (15 points, game-high 15 rebounds) in their first game at the Showcase. NBA assignment players Quincy Miller (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Darius Miller (10 points, 4 rebounds) also helped pace the Energy, who has now lost three straight contests.

Posting their best defensive effort of the season, the D-Fenders, who forced 21 total turnovers, limited the Energy to a season-low for opponents in the first half (previous opponent low: 44 points allowed, 12/28 at Iowa). What's further, the D-Fenders almost equaled their best second-half defensive performance (current opponent low: 38 points allowed, 12/22 vs. Idaho), holding the Energy to just 40 points in the final 24 minutes.

Los Angeles next returns to the hardwood for a home-and-home set of matchups against Bakersfield on January 11th and 12th. Friday's game is slated for 7pm in Bakersfield while Saturday's game is set to begin at 6:30 pm in El Segundo.



NBA G League Stories from January 9, 2013


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