Reno Saps Energy at 2012 NBA D-League Showcase
Published on January 12, 2012 under NBA G League (G League) News Release
RENO, NEV., Jan. 11, 2012 - Curtis Stinson's return to the lineup figured to give Iowa an energy boost. Reno had other ideas.
Sparked by early hot shooting from Blake Ahearn and Bobby Simmons, and spirited interior defense from Sacramento Kings assignee Hassan Whiteside, the Bighorns raced out to a 23-point halftime lead and never looked back, defeating Iowa 107-72 at the 2012 NBA D-League Showcase.
Ahearn finished with 21 points and six assists. Simmons added 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, as Reno (10-9) won its second game at the Showcase in front of its home crowd.
Simmons, like many former NBA veterans in Reno this week, is working himself back into shape. He appeared in two games with the San Antonio Spurs last season. His best season as a pro came in 2004-05 with the L.A. Clippers, when he averaged 16.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 37.3 minutes.
Stinson, the reigning NBA D-League MVP, had nine points and seven assists in his first game with the team since returning from Slovenia to have a bone spur removed from his ankle. Once he made the decision to return stateside, a reunion with Iowa once his health improved seemed like a natural fit. Stinson helped lead Iowa to the 2011 NBA D-League Championship.
Whiteside finished with eight points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Andre Emmett, who scored 36 points Tuesday night against Rio Grande Valley, added 21 points for the Bighorns.
When focused, Whiteside can change a game at this level with his defense. His offense is well behind his defense at this point, having spent only one season at Marshall before making himself available for the 2010 NBA Draft. He appeared in one game with the Kings during the 2010-11 season, and has yet to appear in a game this year.
Iowa (12-5) plays again tomorrow against Canton.
NBA G League Stories from January 12, 2012
- Reminder: Bighorns Game Time Change for January 13 - Reno Bighorns
- Springfield Knowles Best at 2012 NBA D-League Showcase - G League
- Tulsa Sprints to 111-92 Victory Over Fort Wayne - Tulsa 66ers
- Tulsa Holds Down Fort Wayne at 2012 NBA D-League Showcase - G League
- Delong, Pickett Named 'Be True' Winners - Idaho Stampede
- Toros Top Wizards at 2012 NBA D-League Showcase - G League
- BayHawks Reacquire Gerrity - Erie BayHawks
- Jana Spaulding Promoted to Vice President - Maine Celtics
- Red Claws Announce Game Time Change, Date Change - Maine Celtics
- Reno Saps Energy at 2012 NBA D-League Showcase - G League
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
