Red Claws Splits Two Game Showcase 1-1 with 106-94 Loss to LA
Published on January 11, 2012 under NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
PORTLAND, ME - The Maine Red Claws (6-13) put together two solid performances at the 2012 NBA Development League Showcase in Reno, NV, splitting their two games with a 98-92 win yesterday over Sioux Falls and a 106-94 loss today to the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
The D-Fenders (15-6) rode the play of Gerald Green through a subpar first half as the former NBA Slam Dunk Champion picked up 34 points in 33 minutes off the bench. After a slow start that saw the Red Claws open up a 54-47 lead heading into the half, the D-Fenders rallied in 3rd quarter, limiting Maine from the perimeter as the LA defense picked up while Maine's offense seemed suddenly tentative and out of sync. Maine's Jerome Randle kept his team in the game going 6-for-6 from the line and knocking jumpers down late in the third to maintain a slim single point lead for Maine heading into the 4th.
The 4th quarter was all LA. After Gerald Green's enormous first half kept them in the game, the D-Fenders came out firing on all cylinders, stifling Maine's offense and opening their own up. With a complete team effort, LA opened the lead up to 12, never allowing the Red Claws back into the game and cruising to their league-leading 16th win.
Green's 34 points led all scorers for the day while teammate Courtney Fortson quietly chipped in 18 points and Elijah Millsap added 17. Brandon Costner picked up 15 for the game despite an off shooting day, shooting just 25% but going a perfect 7-for-7 from the line.
For the Red Claws, Jerome Randle kept Maine in the game after their offense went cold late in the second half. Randle led all Maine scorers with 24 points and 5 rebounds but was also credited with 8 of Maine's 22 turnovers on the day. Newcomer Lawrence Hill continued to impress with 22 points in just his second game in scarlet and red, picking up 9 boards as well. Courtney Pigram rounded out Maine's scorers in double digits, chipping in 11 in the losing cause.
Maine will depart Reno early tomorrow morning, traveling immediately to Springfield, MA where they will face the Armor in the first game of a home-and-home set Saturday night. The two teams will then head north to complete the set Sunday at 5 PM at the Portland Exposition Building.
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