By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The top pick of the 2022 NBA draft, Paolo Banchero resurfacing in the 2022 NBA2K23 Summer League led the Orlando Magic to the double-overtime win, 94-92, versus the Sacramento Kings at Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Saturday.
Banchero, 19, projected to play for the Italy national team in the future, scored 26 points with 6/15 field goals and 11/15 free throws. Additionally tallying six rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two blocks shaped his second appearance in the Summer League. Portuguese center Neemias Queta was the leading player on the losing side ending up with 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
The 27th pick of the recent draft, Serbian Nikola Jovic was quiet as the Miami Heat took down the Boston Celtics, 88-78, in Cox Pavilion. After wrapping up the 2022 California Classic Summer League by putting up 25 points, he had four rebounds and one assist but did not score lasting almost 14 minutes.
Serbian Borisa Simanic chipped in seven points, three blocks, and two rebounds for the Utah Jazz in the 72-66 victory versus the Atlanta Hawks. Europeans on the opposite end, Alpha Kaba paired eight points with six rebounds, and Joel Ayayi registered four points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.
The New Orleans Pelicans featured Croatian Karlo Matkovic recording four points, five rebounds, two blocks, and one assist, and Lithuanian Deividas Sirvydis with three points and two rebounds in the loss, 85-68, to the Portland Trail Blazers.
More Europeans with Spanish big man Santi Aldama. He went for four points, eight rebounds, and one assist for the Memphis Grizzlies in the loss, 94-76, against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Also in action, former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague guard Pierria Henry registered three points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 14 minutes for the Washington Wizards in the loss, 105-99, to the Detroit Pistons.
Serbian Filip Petrusev logged two points, four rebounds, and one steal in a seven-minute showing for the Philadelphia 76ers. His side lost to the Toronto Raptors, 97-77.
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