The Portland Trail Blazers opened their NBA Summer League campaign with a 93-87 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. Rookie center Yang Hansen, representing the Chinese mainland, poured in a season-high 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting, added three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal.
Yang set the tone early by nailing the Blazers’ first field goal from downtown. He knocked down three of his six three-point attempts, helping Portland build a 14-4 lead in the opening minutes. His two-handed block on Yves Missi highlighted his defensive impact.
New Orleans countered with extra help defense from rookie Derik Queen, whose athleticism clogged the paint and limited Yang’s interior looks. In response, Yang stretched the floor, taking more shots from outside and setting solid screens for perimeter teammates.
That strategy paid off. Rayan Rupert and Caleb Love attacked the rim with greater space, combining for 41 points while Love pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds. Their firepower, paired with Yang’s outside shooting, kept the Blazers in control.
Queen, picked three spots before Yang, finished with a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Pelicans. Fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears chipped in 14 points. New Orleans stayed within striking distance until the fourth quarter, when Portland outscored them 35-25 to seal the victory.
Yang’s versatile showing has positioned him as one of the Summer League’s players to watch as the Blazers chase more wins in Las Vegas.
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Yang Hansen scores 15 points for Trail Blazers to defeat Pelicans
cgtn.com