Orlando Summer League is beginning to wear thin on my mental state of being. I crave any semblance of good basketball to the point that Stanley Johnson dribbling around and powering through smaller men is considered fun. I learn to appreciate the small things in life such as Myles Turner step back jumpers, but this is also keeping me from the brink of insanity. The day that Aaron Harrison’s layup being obliterated into nothing does not entertain me will be when I have truly gone into madness. It will be the day I close my eyes, and all I’m able to see is P.J. Hairston bricking yet another jumpshot. God save summer league.
Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic (White)
The Orlando Magic (White) group full of NBA cast offs and D-League players continues to turn heads by out hustling and out playing everybody they go up against. These guys all know they’re auditioning for a training camp roster spot, and then they’ll have to fight even harder to make the team. So when they go up against a team like the Hornets with players that might not be giving it their all then it puts them at a major advantage.
Keith Benson had the best play all game with a block that nearly ended Aaron Harrison’s short career. He also finished with 16 points on eight shots to lead a great team effort over the Hornets.
MVP: Keith Benson
Honorable mention: Hustle
Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers
The Pistons dominated this one from start to finish with never any doubt as to which team would come out on top. There wasn’t any real strategy to their dominance other than they just looked like the better team. Detroit made more shots, had an easier time getting to the rim, and moved the ball faster than the Pacers could handle.
Despite the blowout, this game was still entertaining thanks to the duel between Myles Turner and Stanley Johnson. They weren’t matched up with each other, but each were clearly carrying their individual teams. Both put up 20 point performances, grabbed a chunk of rebounds, and collected a handful of blocks in performances that made them look like men among boys.
MVP: Stanley Johnson and Myles Turner
Honorable Mention: Joe Young
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Clippers
This was easily the best game of the day, and thank goodness for that because Summer League couldn’t take their two best teams of the week playing bad basketball. This was probably the closest thing we’ll get to fun with both teams looking fairly organized and probably the most talented rosters in Orlando. It went down to the wire with Miami coming out on top despite a huge comeback by the Clippers to tie it at the end.
The Heat got a good performance out of Willie Reed, and his 17 points led the team. He also was able to pull down seven rebounds to contribute to his state line. On LA’s side they got a big performance out of Diante Garrett, but his 20 point, six rebound, three assist performance just wasn’t enough.
Highlight of the day
Keith Benson block on Aaron Harrison