Reed Sheppard, a guard for the Houston Rockets, played his first Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, July 12, 2024, in Las Vegas.
The NBA Summer League kicked off in Las Vegas, giving fans a chance to see top draft picks in action. The Thomas & Mack Center was packed with 19,000 enthusiastic spectators, especially for the highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, where Reed Sheppard made headlines with a standout performance.
Sheppard, the third overall pick, led the Rockets to a 99-80 victory over the Lakers, scoring an impressive 23 points. He attributed his success to solid teamwork and practice leading up to the game. "It was great to compete against another team," he shared after the match.
The other major game of the evening featured the Washington Wizards taking on the Atlanta Hawks. This game showcased the top two picks from the draft, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. The Wizards narrowly won 94-86, marking a successful debut for Sarr, who expressed happiness with the outcome.
Day one of the Summer League set a lively tone for the tournament, and fans can expect even more action over the next 11 days. Here’s a closer look at the standout players from the opening day.
Reed Sheppard (Rockets)
Sheppard started strong with six points in the first half but truly found his groove in the third quarter. He finished the game with 23 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, showcasing both offensive skill and defensive prowess. "I felt more comfortable as the game went on," he said.
Dalton Knecht (Lakers)
Knecht was the top scorer for the Lakers, racking up 25 points. Despite some struggles with ball handling, he excelled in shooting, hitting 5-of-11 from three-point range. He also contributed six rebounds and four assists.
Bronny James (Lakers)
Bronny had a challenging game, scoring only eight points and struggling from three-point range. He remained positive, saying he needed to keep improving and taking the right shots.
Cam Whitmore (Rockets)
Last year’s Summer League MVP, Whitmore was the standout player of the night. He notched 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, demonstrating his all-around ability and providing valuable advice to teammates.
Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks)
The top pick showed versatility, scoring 18 points despite a slow start. His performance was commendable, showcasing his skills beyond just shooting.
Alex Sarr (Wizards)
Sarr, the second overall pick, made a significant impact with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He effectively protected the rim and displayed a strong presence in the paint.
Bub Carrington (Wizards)
Carrington had a strong debut, contributing 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. His confidence as a primary ball-handler was evident, promising a bright future for the team.
Terrence Shannon Jr. (Timberwolves)
Shannon impressed with 25 points, demonstrating his scoring ability and strong pace throughout the game.
Anthony Black and Jett Howard (Magic)
Together, they scored 42 points in a commanding win against the Cavaliers, showcasing their talent and potential as last year's lottery picks.
As the tournament continues, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances and emerging talents in the NBA Summer League.
