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Aussie rookie’s incredible 5-block coming out party

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NBA Summer League: The latest updates on Aussies and NBL stars from the opening two days

Former Perth Wildcat Luke Travers, who started at small forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Spurs, had his Summer League coming out party on Thursday.

The 56th pick in the recent NBA Draft Tallied six points (2/4 FG and 2/2 FT), five rebounds, three dimes, two steals and five blocks, as the Cavs defeated the Spurs, who have Matt Nielsen and Josh Magette on the coaching staff, 99-90.

His defensive prowess wasn’t just shown in the box score, regularly marking the Spurs’ lead ball-handlers including Josh Primo, Jordan Hall and DJ Stewart, switching one through five and being proactive with his doubling, leading to countless errant passes.

“It was great fun to get out there with the guys and get the first one under the belt and experience it all,” Summer League debutant Travers said post-game.

“As happy as I am with the game, especially with what is definitely my career-high in blocks, there is definitely room for improvement still across the board.

“It [the blocks] probably helped that they [the Spurs] thought they could switch smaller guards onto me and take advantage but that wasn’t the case for the most part.

“One area I want to improve on is getting more rebounds, which will allow me to get out in the break and showcase my passing game, which is an area I definitely want to work on moving forward.”

Former NBL Next Star with the Sydney Kings Makur Maker finished with four points (0/2 FG, 4/4 FT), two boards and one turnover in 12.26 minutes, during Chicago’s 100-99 OT win against Dallas – with Illawarra Hawks’ Akoldah Gak picking up a DNP-CD for the Bulls.

Both former New Zealand Breaker Hugo Besson and Adelaide 36er Dusty Hannahs hit the hardwood in the Bucks’ 94-90 win over the Nets – coached by Adam Caporn.

For the Warriors, in their 101-88 loss to New York, former Illawarra Hawks’ NBL Next Star Justinian Jessup tallied seven points (3/6 FG including one triple), two dimes and one board – with NBL champion Yudai Baba with Melbourne United, being a DNP-CD. 

Melbourne United forward Jack White chalked up four points (2/3 FG), one rebound and one block, in 11.35 minutes, for the Denver Nuggets in the 85-78 loss to Minnesota. 

Finally, in the nightcap, Duop Reath (11 points (5/8 FG and 1/1 FT), seven rebounds, one block and one steal), Jo Lual-Acuil (three points (1/2 FG and 1/1 FT) and two boards) and Dejan Vasilevic (one rebound) helped the Suns overcome the Lakers 104-84. 

VEGAS DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS

It’s set to be a busy 11 days for Australians and NBL stars at the Summer League, with 17 players (due to Sam Waardenburg’s withdrawal due to injury) and three coaches (Adam Caporn – Nets, Luke Kendall – Clippers and Josh Magette – Spurs) involved throughout. 

SummerLeague1 Hero
RJ Hampton & Didi Louzada

Former New Zealand Breaker RJ Hampton started as point guard for the Orlando Magic, alongside the recent NBA Draft’s number one overall pick Paolo Banchero, against Houston. Despite it being his second Summer League, Hampton started quietly but worked into the contest in his second stint, with just under eight to play in the second term. 

His aggressiveness on the hoop continued, tallying nine points, six boards and one dime in 14 minutes to halftime, as Orlando led 53-42. His attacking prowess continued in the third, securing himself a double-double – 11 points (4/11 field goal), 11 rebounds, two assists and three turnovers. It helped the Magic down the Rockets 91-77.  

Following this was the Pistons’ fixture with the Blazers, whose side features former Sydney King Didi Louzada. While the wing’s defence had its moments, he couldn’t quite get it going at the offensive end, as the Blazers went down 81-78 in a tight one. Louzada had one point, one rebound, one assist, two steals and two turnovers in 28 minutes. 

Basketball journalist Courtney Ward is in Vegas and filing updates throughout Summer League

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