Green Takes Flight at 2012 NBA Development League All-Star Game
Published on February 25, 2012 under NBA G League (G League) News Release
ORLANDO, Feb. 25, 2012 - Gerald Green is still a frequent flyer, as evidenced by a slew of spectacular dunks throughout the 2012 NBA Development League All-Star Game presented by 26 Seconds. The winner of the 2007 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is also comfortable using ground transportation, displaying a more polished all-around game than he brought with him from high school straight to the NBA in 2005.
Green, the 18th overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, shot 10-for-17 from the floor and finished with a game-high 28 points to lead the West All-Stars to a 135-132 win over the East All-Stars on Center Court at Jam Session. Green, who's averaging 19.1 points this season for the L.A. D-Fenders, was named the game's MVP. Reno's Blake Ahearn added 21 points, including 15 in the final four minutes of the second half to help the West claim victory.
Green, who struggled from the perimeter during his first NBA stint, shot 3-for-8 from behind the arc, and made all five of his free throws. He also handled the ball confidently, only committing one turnover.
"I have really dedicated myself over the last two to three years to improving my game," said Green, who played four seasons in the NBA, last appearing in a game with Dallas during the 2008-09 season. "I've really worked on my defense. I feel my jumpshot is a lot more consistent. I also feel like I'm a much smarter player than I was when I was first in the league."
Ahearn, who leads the NBA D-League in scoring (24.4 ppg), saved his best for last, helping the West build a 10-point lead late in the second half. The East refused to quit, sparked by Springfield's JamesOn Curry, who nearly matched Ahearn with 14 points over the final four minutes. Curry finished with a team-high 25 points.
The East, which also got 24 points from Iowa's Moses Ehambe, nearly completed the comeback, drawing to within two points in the final seconds. Unfortunately, after doing so, the team called a timeout it didn't have, which resulted in a technical foul. Green sunk the free throw with 2.9 seconds left to give the West its final margin of victory.
Ehambe, who also took part in the NBA D-League's 3-point shooting competition, shot 6-for-11 from three-point range. Sioux Falls' Marqus Blakely added 20 points on 9-for-11 shooting for the East. Reno's Andre Emmett, a recent call-up by the New Jersey Nets, finished with 15 points on 7-for-11 shooting for the West.
NBA G League Stories from February 25, 2012
- Green Takes Flight at 2012 NBA Development League All-Star Game - G League
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