In an electrifying NBA Summer League opener in Las Vegas, Chinese rookie Yang Hansen made a remarkable debut for the Portland Trail Blazers. The 20-year-old, selected 16th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, showcased his versatile skill set as Portland dominated the Golden State Warriors with a 106-73 victory.
Yang wasted no time making his presence felt on the court. His exceptional court vision was evident from the start, delivering a crisp bounce pass to Sidy Cissoko for the game’s opening points. Moments later, he threaded a perfect pass to DJ Carton for an easy layup, helping the Trail Blazers surge to a commanding 15-2 lead.
Yang’s first NBA basket was a highlight in itself. With nine minutes remaining in the second quarter, he effortlessly drove past Isaiah Mobley to finish with a smooth lay-in. The young star continued to impress, surprising the defense with a banked three-pointer that extended Portland’s lead to 46-34 by halftime.
The second half saw Yang’s footwork and finesse shine in the paint. Under the watchful eye of second-year center Donovan Clingan, Yang navigated the defense with ease, displaying maturity beyond his years. Defensively, he was a force to be reckoned with, recording three emphatic blocks, including a spectacular rejection of Jackson Rowe that brought the crowd to its feet.
Teammates Rayan Rupert and Caleb Love added to the fireworks, combining for 41 points and further cementing Portland’s dominance. The Trail Blazers’ 33-point victory sets an exciting tone as they prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies later on Saturday.
Yang Hansen’s stellar debut not only marks an impressive start to his NBA journey but also signals a promising future for the Chinese star in the league. Fans worldwide will undoubtedly be watching as he continues to develop and make his mark on the NBA stage.
