NBA Summer League, Day 1: Reed Sheppard steals the show vs. Bronny James in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Basketball fans got a first look at many of the top NBA draft picks during the first day of Las Vegas Summer League. The Thomas & Mack Center sold out for the two marquee games as 19,000 fans packed the gym for Lakers vs. Rockets to see Bronny James in action. But it was Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 pick, who stole the show and helped Houston get the win, 99-80.

“It was good to get out again and start to compete and play with different guys,” Sheppard said after the game. “We had a good week in practice, so just to get out and go against another team was a lot of fun.”

The other big game of the night was Wizards vs. Hawks, featuring the No. 1 pick in the draft, Zaccharie Risacher, squaring off with the No. 2 pick, Alex Sarr. The Wizards edged out the Hawks in the closing minutes, securing the win, 94-86.

“It was a nice first game and we got the win so I’m happy,” Sarr said after the game.

The first night of Summer League did not disappoint and there’s plenty more action to come during the 11-day tournament. Yahoo Sports breaks down the notable performers from Day 1.

Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard made his summer league debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, July 12, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Rockets vs. Lakers

Reed Sheppard, Rockets
Sheppard had six points in the first half, then came alive in the third quarter, hitting deep 3s and taking players off the dribble. Defensively he was incredibly active, deflecting passes and blocking shots off the switch. Sheppard finished with 23 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks in the win.

“As the game went on, I just got more and more comfortable,” Sheppard said. “My coaches and teammates were telling me to keep being aggressive. They told me when you come off ball screens, look for your shot. A lot of that was them putting confidence in me.”

Dalton Knecht, Lakers
Knecht led the Lakers in scoring, pouring in 25 points in the loss. He struggled a bit off the bounce but was deadly in catch-and-shoot situations, hitting 5-of-11 from 3. He also added six rebounds and four assists and played both on and off the ball throughout the game. The…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-07-13 05:15:59

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