The Portland Trail Blazers kicked off their Las Vegas Summer League schedule with an impressive 106-73 victory over the Golden State Warriors. From the outset, Portland showcased their aggressive style, employing a turnover-inducing defense and executing flawlessly in transition. With a significant lead established early in the game, the Blazers effectively managed to overcome scoring droughts, ultimately sealing a commanding 33-point win.
In his debut, rookie center Yang Hansen demonstrated both his strengths and areas for improvement during his 23 minutes on the court. As the No. 16 pick in the draft, Hansen finished the game with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 5 assists. This performance marked a significant milestone for the young player as he donned the Blazers' iconic red and black uniform.
Throughout the game, Yang was utilized as a facilitator, showcasing his ability to direct the offense from beyond the arc. He effectively communicated with teammates, making sharp passes and finding cutters, demonstrating a level of comfort in his role. However, despite showing a solid free-throw shooting touch, his three-point shooting left much to be desired. His only made three-pointer came from a bank shot, which likely wasn’t intentional.
Yang faced challenges when executing the screen-and-roll, struggling to create space effectively. Defensively, his performance was inconsistent; he often left his feet in one-on-one situations, leading to free throw opportunities for opponents. Conversely, he displayed his potential as a rim protector by executing quick rotations and blocking shots, contributing to his overall success in the game.
Fellow teammates Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert were pivotal in establishing the Blazers' early lead through their intense play. While Yang orchestrated the offense, Rupert's defensive communication played a crucial role. His time spent with Coach Chauncey Billups has clearly paid off, showcasing a strong defensive mindset.
Cissoko’s athleticism was on full display as he executed explosive drives to the basket, while Rupert effectively battled for rebounds despite facing taller opponents. Offensively, Rupert hit two of his three attempts from beyond the arc, hinting at his potential for a competitive role in training camp if he can maintain shooting efficiency. However, Cissoko’s performance was a mixed bag—while his athleticism was evident, he often found himself out of control outside the restricted area.
In his debut with the Blazers, Caleb Love exhibited his trademark scoring ability. After five years of high-level college performance, Love proved he can score in bunches, especially when paired with James Bouknight. While Bouknight struggled with contested shots, Love consistently created separation using his dribble moves and step-backs. However, his night was marred by efficiency issues, as he opted for some questionable shot selections.
Aside from the standout players, D.J. Carton and Sean Pedulla provided valuable contributions. Carton demonstrated instant chemistry with Yang, resulting in easy layups. After a slow start, Pedulla rebounded in the third quarter, playing aggressively on defense and hitting a crucial corner three-pointer. Based on the performances observed, it’s possible that Rupert’s minutes may decrease in subsequent games, potentially leading to increased opportunities for Carton and Pedulla.
The Blazers and Yang Hansen are set to return to the court on Saturday, facing off against the Memphis Grizzlies at 7:30 PM. Fans will be eager to see if the team can build on this momentum and further develop the young talent showcased in their opening game.
