Summer League Day 1

Posted on by Nafiz Labib

ALSO READ: An Explanation of the NBA Summer League

Yesterday marked Day 1 of the NBA Summer League. The games played were Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic and Portland Trailblazers vs. Detroit Pistons.

No.1 Pick vs. No.3 Pick

The first matchup between the Rockets and Magic showcased a battle between Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith II, the No. 1 and No. 3 picks, respectively, of the 2022 NBA Draft. Paolo recorded 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists (game-high) and led the Magic to the win. Jabari recorded 10 points, 7 rebounds, and three assists for the Rockets in their loss. Both rookies demonstrated their skills as they went head-to-head in their matchups.

Fans went to social media to give their opinions on the game. However, a great deal of the opinions expressed that Paolo gained the upper hand in terms of playing ability while Jabari had more to prove.

Jaden Ivey Shows Out in First Game

In the match between the Trailblazers and Pistons, Jaden Ivey, the No.5 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, recorded 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in the Pistons win. He also shot efficiently, with a field gold percentage of 43% and a three-point percentage of 40%.  Keon Johnson of the Trailblazers led scoring across both teams with 21 points in the losing effort.

Fans were impressed by Jaden Ivey’s plays and the overall Pistons playbook as they made good use of passing abilities and court vision to make some easy baskets.

Overall, this first day helped display the talents of some of the top picks that are prospective for future NBA stardom. Fans should look forward to the return of great basketball as the tournament goes on and the 2022-2023 NBA season approaches.

See below for the Day 2 schedule, along with the channels the games will be shown on. Click here for the full 11-day schedule of the tournament.

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