Portland celebrate an 88-71 win over Orlando and are now waiting to see if their 3-1 record will qualify them for the Summer League Playoffs in Las Vegas.
The Portland Trail Blazers edged the Orlando Magic 88-71 in Las Vegas on Thursday after a series of close encounters early in their NBA Summer League schedule. The win puts the team 3-1 up in Summer League play and keeps them alive for the weekend’s four-team postseason as they look to defend their title from last year.
All three 2023 lottery picks between the two teams were inactive for the contest — Portland’s Scoot Henderson and Orlando’s Anthony Black and Jett Howard. However, thanks to the efforts of summer sensation Michael Devoe, the Blazers could barely catch a break. The former Georgia Tech star started as a point guard in place of Henderson for the third straight game (after he suffered a DNP in the opening game) and scored 18 points to take the lead.
Despite getting off to a somewhat slow start, Portland ended the first half with a 36-7 run from the 4:21 mark of the first quarter. The Magic only managed 19 points in the first 20 minutes of the game. Orlando’s offense performed slightly better in the second half, but the 26-point gap at halftime proved far too much to bridge.
While Devoe once again stole the show and demonstrated his offense generating ability, several other Blazers also put on solid performances. Jabari Walker had a masterful double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds and looks set to be a real rotation player next season. Duop Reath continued his prolific streak as a backup center, notching 12 points and five rebounds and three steals while trying to get into the team’s training camp roster.
Rookie Kris Murray’s turbulent summer continued as he failed to carry his sharp shooting talent from the team’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets earlier this week into Thursday’s competition. He demonstrated his defensive prowess with two steals but was only 1-7 from long range.
Fellow newcomer Rayan Rupert scored 31 minutes and continued to establish himself as a tenacious defender – without committing a single foul. He’s still developing on offense, scoring 7-1 from the field and losing three turnovers. He also scored 12 rebounds, the highest team effort.
Undoubtedly the most talented player on the floor, Shaedon Sharpe scored another highlight dunk, but it was limited to just 12 minutes as the team looked to involve less established players more.
Finally, Ibou Badji showed his best performance so far. The big man has gained confidence over the course of Summer League, shaking off the rust of a lost season. It paid off against the admittedly small Magic roster, as he finished the game with six points, seven rebounds and two blocks over 22 minutes.
box score
The Blazers are now awaiting the results of tomorrow’s games to decide if they will participate in the Summer League Playoffs. The top four teams after the initial four-game schedule advance to a semi-final game on Sunday, with the league game scheduled for Monday night. Tiebreakers are determined by points difference.
Regardless, Portland will play at least one more game over the weekend, with the opponent and game time to be announced after the playoff field has been determined.
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