NBA Summer League almost feels insignificant on the historic day that Portland Trail Blazers legend Damian Lillard returned home to the franchise. But the key word in that sentence was almost.
Blazers rookie Yang Hansen and the boys of summer added to the good vibes in Rip City Thursday night with a 102-83 takedown of the Houston Rockets. In a game of runs, the Blazers had the last laugh, pulling away in the final quarter to win comfortably.
Yang had an up-and-down game in his fourth outing in Las
Vegas, but still managed to display the gifts that make him such a special prospect. The No. 16 overall pick finished with eight points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and four turnovers, while shooting 3-7 from the floor, 2-2 from the free throw line and 0-1 from deep.
Meanwhile, Blazers guard James Bouknight came alive with a massive 20 points in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice.
Let’s get to more of the key details.
The Yang Hansen Experience
Similar to Portland’s last Summer League outing, Yang had a rough first shift. He didn’t score, turned the ball over and got beat to the rim multiple times on defense. Then in the second quarter, the 7-foot-1 big man looked like the best player the floor even though he only made one shot. He displayed that usual passing savvy, hitting cutters with precision for scores. Yang also showed more patience and control in the post — he finished with a right hook on one deep paint touch, kicked it out for an open 3 when the double team came on another, and dropped the ball off to Caleb Love for a give-and-go layup on the next opportunity.
The second half showed more of that mixed bag from Yang. While maybe the highs of this game didn’t reach the peaks of the other Yang performances this July, it felt consistent with his Summer League run so far. He showed the skills that make him so unique and intriguing at his size — the advanced IQ and playmaking, the soft touch and nimble footwork, the sheer size to swat shots in the paint. Then he also showed some of those rookie warts and weaknesses — the lack of perimeter speed and fitness, not always getting to the correct spot defensively, the turnovers and out-of-control shot attempts.
Case in point, take this one sequence in the third quarter: Yang evaded a defender on the perimeter with a quick spin move that elicited ooos and ahhhs from the crowd, then immediately Euro-stepped away from another defender to reach the basket. Yang then went for a finesse finger roll at a seemingly open rim, but then a help-side Rocket flew in to swat the ball into the stands. The NBATV analyst calling the game said something to the extent of: “In a year, that’ll be a dunk.” I agree.
The Caleb Love Experience
Blazers two-way contract guard Caleb Love once again gave Portland some offense, but he struggled to find his shot against Houston, getting his 14 points on 16 shots. The rookie went 5-16 from the floor, including 1-6 from 3-point land. He had better success closer to the basket, going 4-9 from inside the paint, but several of those misses came because he failed to get attempts over and around shot-blockers.
Good(Bouk)night, Houston!
On a night where Love struggled with his efficiency and third-year forward Rayan Rupert didn’t play, the Summer League Blazers needed more offensive juice somewhere. Blazers guard James Bouknight took on that responsibility with gusto in the fourth quarter. The game was tied early in the fourth, then Bouknight scored 20 of his game-high 25 points in the final frame to slam the door shut on Houston. The fifth-year NBA guard, who spent last season with the Rip City Remix, got that production primarily from a 3-point heater. Bouknight shot 5-6 on 3s in the fourth quarter, a hot streak that included multiple splashes off the dribble. The showing turned a close contest into a route.
Other Standouts
Blazers forward Olivier Nkamhoua may have played the best first half on the Portland roster. He helped the team rally back from an early double-digit deficit with some needed offense and two highlight reel blocks. Nkamhoua finished with nine points on 3-6 shooting, three blocks, three rebounds and a steal.
After struggling with his shot through the first three Summer League games, Portland guard Sean Pedulla enjoyed a solid showing off the bench against Houston. He put up 13 points and four assists while shooting 5-8 from the floor and 3-5 on 3s. Blazers guard DJ Carton played another nice game, getting the start with Rupert out. Carton contributed 15 points on 4-8 shooting and two steals.
Up Next
While the Blazers didn’t qualify for the Summer League playoffs, their time in Las Vegas isn’t done. They’ll get one more Summer League game, but at this moment, the time and opponent haven’t been announced yet.
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