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It came on the second day of the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League but No. 5 overall pick, Jalen Suggs, made his professional debut for the Orlando Magic.
His debut was as exciting as they come as his Magic came away with a 91-89 win over the Golden State Warriors, in overtime.
Suggs led the way with 24 points on 9-of-22 shooting in about 28 minutes on the floor.
In addition, he pulled in nine rebounds while collecting two steals and three blocks including a potential game-saving one near the end of regulation in a two-on-one scenario. After missing the game-winning layup at the end of regulation, Suggs made both Orlando field goals in the two-minute overtime period.
In addition, he made two of the team’s four made free throws to ice the game. Guard Cole Anthony also made his summer league debut after not having the chance to play last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Anthony only shot 1-of-9 from the field including going 1-for-6 from three-point range, scoring nine points along the way.
Green wins head coaching debut with Pelicans
Newly named head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, Willie Green, is following in the footsteps of so many other first-time head coaches and he is coaching his team’s summer league club.
He came away with a 94-77 win over the Chicago Bulls on day two.
The first-time head coach was aided by 26 points from his first round draft pick, Trey Murphy III.
Murphy, out of Virginia, went 17th overall to the Pelicans becoming the first Cavalier first-rounder since DeAndre Hunter was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in 2019.
Fans also got to see some adjustments made by Green and staff as second-year Bull Patrick Williams nearly had a double-double in the first half with 14 points and nine rebounds. Williams was held to one point on 1-of-7 shooting the second half.
Bane blossoms for reigning summer league champion Grizzlies
Second-year players often shine bright during summer league because they’ve already experienced the NBA game.
Memphis second-year guard Desmond Bane exploded for 32 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the floor in the team’s 91-84 win over the Brooklyn Nets on day two. Bane added six made threes in eight attempts adding four assists and two steals.
He was aided by 20 points from second-year forward Killian Tillie, who also made six threes.
Second-year forward Xavier Tillman Sr. also chipped in with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.