Las Vegas Summer League Sunday Recap
We’re three days into the Las Vegas Summer League 2015 and already the young crop of players who represent the future of the NBA have enthralled, captivated, and entertained fans. Eight games were on tap on Sunday for everyone to enjoy, and more than a few players displayed flashes of brilliance which highlighted some of their future potential.
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 85-76
Philadelphia rested 2015 third overall pick Jahlil Okafor in this one. Terry Rozier shined for Boston as he stayed aggressive throughout the game and was rewarded with several trips to the free-throw line. He made the most of his free throws, going 12-of-13, en route to his 22 points. Fellow Celtic R.J. Hunter chimed in with 21 points of his own. Four players from Boston scored in double figures as the Celtics were able to take this game with ease.
Scott Wilbekin led the Sixers with 19 points.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks, 93-80
The Blazers needed to overcome a 25-point game from Dallas’ Dwight Powell to pull this one out, but in the end Powell’s heroics was not enough to carry his team. Allen Crabbe led three other Blazers to score in double figures. He finished the game with 23 points. With the departure of LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency this summer, Portland will look to Noah Vonleh to spend some time at power forward. Vonleh was part of the package they received in a trade that sent Nicolas Batum to the Hornets. Vonleh played 29 minutes in this game and had a quiet yet effective 13 points and seven rebounds.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Golden State Warriors,71-70
This was a close game with both teams shooting poorly for most of it. In the end the Hawks edged out the Warriors in this one thanks to a free throw shot by Glenn Robinson III with 25 seconds remaining regulation. He ended the night with 13 points. Sophomore James McAdoo put together yet another solid game for Golden State. After coming off a 20-point game against Cleveland earlier in the tournament, he was able to lead his team in scoring with 17 points in this one.
Denver Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings, 98-76
This game was highlighted by the impressive game displayed by Emmanuel Mudiay (photo above). Mudiay, who skipped a year of college and opted to go pro in China en route to his declaration for the 2015 draft, did not disappoint Denver with his 19 points and 10 assists. Expect to see a lot of this rookie in Denver’s backcourt rotation this 2015/16. Sacramento also appreciated their first-round draft pick Willie Cauley-Stein who brought energy and hustle to the table, as expected. He scored 15 points for the Kings, but was only able to grab a single rebound. Frenchman Joffrey Lauvergne had a solid double-double for Denver with 13 points and 10 boards.
If the Nuggets go ahead and trade away starting point guard Ty Lawson this season, Mudiay will get a chance to step in and take the helm for Denver in his rookie season.
Washington Wizards vs. D-League Select, 74-94
The Wizards took to the court in a game against the a select team from the NBA D-League. Despite losing by a large margin, Washington did get a good game from their first-round pick Kelly Oubre Jr. He missed all his five attempts from three-point range, but still finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. Jarrid Famous also did well for the Wizards with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Scotty Hopson led the D-League Select squad with 20 points and six rebounds.
Other game results:
Milwaukee Bucks vs. San Antonio Spurs, 74-89
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors, 66-81
Phoenix Suns vs. Housto Rockets, 89-108