The Portland Trail Blazers secured a hard-fought victory in the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, edging past the New Orleans Pelicans 93-87. With this win, Portland improves to 2-1 in the tournament, though they face an uphill battle to make it into the playoffs bracket. Let’s break down some crucial takeaways from this contest.
Yang Finds His Stroke
After a bit of rest, Yang Hansen appeared much more comfortable and engaged in this game compared to his previous outing against the Memphis Grizzlies, where fatigue seemed to hinder his performance. This time around, Hansen showcased his shooting prowess, hitting 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, all while staying active on the defensive end with two blocks. He ended the evening with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists over 27 minutes of play.
While he faced some challenges in converting on one-on-one opportunities in the post—part of the learning curve—Hansen still exhibited flashes of the creativity and versatility that have made him one of the standout players of this Summer League. He recorded a couple of assists, though some of his more ambitious passes didn’t find their targets. Overall, the performance provided fans with plenty to feel optimistic about, even if there are still areas for improvement.
Rupert Bounces Back
After a tough outing against the Grizzlies, Rayan Rupert bounced back in style, turning in a standout performance that had him leading all scorers with 24 points. His full-court defensive effort was relentless, making life difficult for the Pelicans’ backcourt. Rupert was particularly impressive from three-point range, burying 4 of 6 attempts, and boasted an eye-opening +28 plus-minus rating in a game won by just six points.
In addition to Rupert, third-year guard D.J. Carton provided a spark off the bench, bringing a sense of stability amidst the intensity. He finished with a solid line of 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, proving to be a key contributor who could earn a spot with a team moving forward.
Prime Time Talent
Among the four games the Blazers are scheduled to play in Las Vegas, this matchup with New Orleans drew extra attention due to the presence of dual lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, selected 7th and 13th overall, respectively. The Pelicans made headlines by giving up an unprotected first-round draft pick in 2026 to trade up from the 23rd to the 13th pick, heightening the stakes for their selections.
Both Fears and Queen delivered on this heightened expectation. Queen emerged as a formidable interior presence, tallying 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists while showing his ability to assert himself physically in the paint. Fears, on the other hand, was strategic in selecting his moments to unleash his speed and athleticism, which were evident whenever he decided to push the pace.
As the Summer League progresses, the Blazers’ mix of young talent and seasoned players will be critical as they work to refine their game and make a mark in the tournament. If this performance is any indication, there’s plenty of potential waiting to be unlocked.
