Basketball fans were treated to an exciting first day of the Las Vegas Summer League, where top NBA draft picks showcased their skills. The Thomas & Mack Center was packed with 19,000 fans eager to watch marquee matchups, including Lakers vs. Rockets featuring Bronny James and Reed Sheppard. Despite the hype around Bronny James, it was Reed Sheppard who stole the show and led the Rockets to a 99-80 victory.
Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 pick, made a strong impression in his summer league debut. He scored 23 points, dished out 5 assists, grabbed 4 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots. Sheppard’s performance was highlighted by his deep 3-point shooting, ball-handling skills, and active defense. He credited his coaches and teammates for instilling confidence in him and guiding him through the game.
On the Lakers side, Dalton Knecht was the leading scorer with 25 points, showcasing his catch-and-shoot abilities. Bronny James, despite finishing with 8 points, struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-for-8. However, James remained positive, focusing on the learning experience and the opportunity to improve his game.
Cam Whitmore, last year’s Summer League MVP, continued his stellar play with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals for the Rockets. He displayed confidence on offense and provided valuable insights to his teammates, including Sheppard, during the game.
In another exciting matchup between the Wizards and Hawks, top draft picks Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr faced off. Risacher, the No. 1 pick, showed his scoring versatility with 18 points, while Sarr demonstrated his defensive prowess with four blocks. Sarr’s ability to protect the paint and contribute on offense bodes well for the Wizards’ future.
Bub Carrington, the Wizards’ 14th pick, impressed with his playmaking skills, finishing with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Carrington’s confidence as a ball-handler could earn him a significant role in the team’s lineup moving forward. The Wizards seem to have found promising building blocks in Sarr and Carrington for the upcoming season.
Other standout performances from Day 1 of the Summer League included Terrence Shannon Jr.’s 25-point outing for the Timberwolves and the Magic’s dominant win led by Anthony Black and Jett Howard. The Pacers’ frontcourt duo of Jarace Walker and Oscar Tshiebwe also made an impact, combining for 42 points in a close loss to the Nets.
As the Las Vegas Summer League unfolds over the next 11 days, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and impressive displays of talent from the NBA’s rising stars. Stay tuned for more exciting basketball action and standout performances as the tournament progresses.