Injuries and defense were the story of the day for the Blazers in their second game of the Las Vegas Summer League. Portland’s defense went into overdrive, bringing a lot of energy against the overwhelmed Pelicans. After an early lead, New Orleans struggled to find points without rookie Dyson Daniels, who came out in the first half with an injury. The Blazers outscored the Pelicans 31-17 and 23-9 in the second and third quarters, respectively.
The game was overshadowed by the Blazers’ previous announcement that Shaedon Sharpe suffered a labral tear in his left shoulder. Sharpe, the seventh pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was injured in the shoulder Thursday against the Detroit Pistons, and his recovery schedule is unclear.
This was expected to be a showcase for Sharpe and the eighth Daniels selection. But Dyson became the third single-digit pick to suffer a Summer League injury (the other is Detroit’s Jaden Ivey), rolling his ankle in a drive. The Pelicans looked unmistakably lost after their departure, with some momentum for Portland’s frantic defense.
The Players
Almost all of the Blazers players’ reviews could be shortened to “they didn’t shoot too well, but they really worked hard on defense.”
Jabari Walker looks good. For any second-round pick, the hope is that they can simply stay in the Summer League, and Walker has. It caused the key 18-point streak of the first half of the Blazers that turned the score around and opened the game. He has made 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block in 18 minutes.
Keon Johnson’s defense caused multiple losses, and his offense was fine. Good night to Keon, who may have adjusted his ankle at some point. He filled the stats sheet with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, but 3 turnovers.
Greg Brown III’s performance is reminiscent of last year’s Summer League. Tons of energy, lots of hops and always visible. He finished with 7 points (in 2 shooting attempts), 4 rebounds and the usual outstanding block.
Didi Louzada was generally invisible. He didn’t score, but he did score 2 assists and 2 rebounds.
Trendon Watford was the firm, gray-haired veteran of the team. Never too high, never too low, and I knew where to be on the track. He led the team with a double-double, 17 points and 11 rebounds, plus 5 assists.
Brandon Williams didn’t shoot well, but he got enough attempts to reach both figures. He scored 14 points on a 4-14 shot.
Kyle Alexander (4-5, 9 points), Craig Randall II (6 points) and Colbey Ross (4-5, 8 points) had a solid offensive performance, bringing extra points to the Blazers at key moments off the bench.
Next game
The Blazers face the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Box Score