Fortson Helps D-Fenders Put Away Energy at 2013 NBA D-League Showcase
Published on January 9, 2013 under NBA G League (G League) News Release
RENO, NEV., Jan. 8 2013 - On a nationally televised game on CBS Sports Network, the Los Angeles D-Fenders picked up an 87-82 win over the Iowa Energy. The back-and-forth game featured 17 lead changes and came down to the wire before the D-Fenders were finally able to put the Energy away.
Courtney Fortson continued to impress here in Reno for Los Angeles. Following up a 26-point performance on Monday, he tallied a team-high 25 points on 8-for-19 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. He was also 4-of-6 from behind the three point line.
Morris Almond entered Tuesday night's game as the 10th leading scorer in the league with 18.4 ppg. He didn't waste any time exemplifying his scoring prowess versus the D-Fenders as he collected 19 points in the first half, leading Iowa to a 42-39 lead going into the locker room. Almond finished with 34 points, which was tied for the fourth highest scoring game of the season.
Towards the end of the third quarter, Orien Greene began to heat up as he nailed two 3-pointers to give Los Angeles a 61-59 lead and some momentum entering the fourth quarter.
The D-Fenders went on a 10-0 run early in the fourth quarter, led by Fortson and some intense team defense that helped open up a 73-65 lead, the largest by any team in the game. The defensive effort was sparked by Anthony Stover and Elijah Millsap; both had key blocks to keep the run intact. Four of L.A.'s five blocks occurred in the fourth quarter.
Despite the timely run by Los Angeles, Iowa continued to battle as Almond and Paul Harris brought the Energy within two at 82-80, but that was as close as they would come. Harris came off the bench and finished with a double-double comprised of 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Los Angeles wrapped up their 2013 NBA D-League Showcase with a split. Iowa will return to action on Thursday to take on the Austin Toros at 3:30 P.M. PST.
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