The Portland Trail Blazers clinched another win in the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, narrowly defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 93-87. With this victory, Portland improved its record to 2-1 but faces tough competition for a playoff spot.
Here’s what stood out during the game:
Yang’s Revival
After resting for a couple of days, Yang Hansen showed significant improvement. He brought his A-game with a solid three-point shooting effort, hitting 3 out of 6 attempts. He tallied 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, along with 2 blocks. Though he struggled a bit in one-on-one situations, his creativity and versatility still shone through, earning him recognition as a rising star in the Summer League.
Rupert’s Resilience
Rayan Rupert bounced back strongly after a tough previous game. He led in scoring with 24 points and disrupted the Pelicans’ plays with aggressive defense. He impressed with his shooting, making 4 out of 6 three-pointers, finishing with a remarkable +28 rating in a game decided by just 6 points. D.J. Carton also made his mark, contributing 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, proving to be a reliable presence off the bench.
Noteworthy Matchup
This game was particularly exciting because of the Pelicans’ two lottery picks, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Both showcased their talent: Queen scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Fears displayed his athleticism, making his presence felt on the court. The Pelicans made significant moves to secure these talents, suggesting the pressure is on to deliver results.
Looking Ahead
The Blazers now have a break before facing the Houston Rockets on Thursday at 5:00 PM, Pacific. Fans will be eager to see if the team can build on this momentum and push for a playoff spot.
As the Summer League progresses, it’s fascinating to see how rookie performances impact their future potential. According to recent data, around 25% of players drafted will make an impact in their first season. This underscores the importance of a strong showing during the Summer League, not just for the teams but for the players’ careers. Keep an eye on the developments as these young athletes vie for their place in the NBA.
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