The Portland Trail Blazers secured a 93-87 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in an exciting NBA Summer League matchup at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Chinese rookie center Yang Hansen delivered an impressive performance, scoring a personal best of 15 points along with three rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal.
Yang showcased his shooting skills by making six of his 13 field goal attempts, including an impressive three-for-six from beyond the arc. He opened the game’s scoring with a deep three-pointer, setting the tone for the Trail Blazers’ offense.
Defensively, Yang held his own against the Pelicans’ big men, notably containing Yves Missi with a remarkable two-handed block. The Trail Blazers jumped to an early 14-4 lead, thanks in part to Yang’s contributions on both ends of the floor.
Aware of Yang’s impact, the Pelicans adjusted their defense, focusing on limiting his touches in the paint. Rookie forward Derik Queen utilized his athleticism and help defense to challenge Yang near the basket.
In response, Yang adapted by stretching the floor, taking more shots from outside, and setting effective screens for his teammates. His unselfish play facilitated easier drives to the rim for guards Rayan Rupert and Caleb Love, who combined for 41 points. Love also grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds.
Despite strong performances from Pelicans rookies Queen, who tallied a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Jeremiah Fears, who added 14 points, the Trail Blazers maintained their composure. The game remained tight until the fourth quarter when Portland outscored New Orleans 35-25 to secure the win.
Yang Hansen’s standout performance not only marks his best game since joining the Trail Blazers but also highlights his potential as a versatile center. As the NBA Summer League progresses, fans are eager to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the team.
