Hornets, Trail Blazers’ Young Stars Shine In Intense NBA Summer League Clash

Tuesday’s (Wednesday, Philippine time)  NBA 2K24 Summer League matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Portland Trail Blazers provided a thrilling contest that showcased the potential of both teams’ young prospects. The Blazers emerged victorious with a 97-93 scoreline, but the standout performances from key players on both sides made for an entertaining game in Las Vegas.

Shaedon Sharpe and Kris Murray were the stars for the Trail Blazers, demonstrating their skills and potential for the team’s future success. Sharpe, the seventh overall pick in the 2022 Draft, showcased a well-rounded game, scoring 26 points and connecting on two of his four three-point attempts. 

The 20-year-old guard also made 11 trips to the free-throw line, highlighting his ability to draw fouls and convert from the charity stripe. Murray, the 23rd overall pick in this year’s draft, bounced back from a scoreless outing in his previous game, contributing 26 points on an efficient shooting display of 7-of-12, including four made three-pointers. Murray’s performance emphasized his potential impact on the Blazers’ roster soon.

For the Hornets, Brandon Miller and Nick Smith Jr. stood out with their impressive performances. Miller, the second overall draft pick, showcased his comfort on the court, tallying 26 points on an efficient 8-of-15 shooting, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. The young guard displayed his versatility and playmaking abilities, demonstrating his potential to contribute to various game facets. 

Smith Jr., selected 27th overall in the same draft, led the Hornets’ scoring with 33 points on an impressive 65% shooting, including four made three-pointers. Despite committing six turnovers, Smith Jr.’s agility and shot-making ability highlighted his potential to become a valuable asset for the team.

In another game, Malaki Branham of the San Antonio Spurs made a strong impression with his 29-point performance, including a remarkable five made three-pointers out of six attempts. With Victor Wembanyama sitting out the rest of the Summer League, Branham took the opportunity to showcase his skills and improve his three-point shooting. The 20-year-old’s growth and development will be crucial for the Spurs’ rebuilding process.

Jordan Ford of the Sacramento Kings displayed efficient point guard play, recording 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including four made three-pointers. Ford’s performance demonstrated his growth and refinement as a playmaker, providing much-needed stability for the Kings during Summer League games.

Javon Freeman-Liberty of the Chicago Bulls also had a standout game, contributing 28 points, six assists, and zero turnovers in the team’s victory over the Kings. The undrafted playmaker exhibited his efficient and intelligent play, further cementing his value and potential for the Bulls’ roster.

Overall, the Summer League clash between the Hornets and the Trail Blazers showcased the immense potential of these young stars as they strive to make an impact in the NBA. Their performances provided a glimpse into a promising future for their respective teams.