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NBA Summer League Update: The Dudes Got the Goods

Four Zags see major minutes and a few obstacles in Wednesday’s action

By Tuck_Clarry
2021 Las Vegas Summer League - Cleveland Cavaliers v Orlando Magic Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

Jalen Suggs - 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 3 turnovers

Suggs did a bit of everything in his debut on Monday, tallying 24 points and 9 rebounds and spurring an overtime win. Things did not come as easy for Suggs second game of the Summer League, where he was a point of emphasis for Cleveland’s defense. He continued to search for his perimeter shot, going 2-6 in Wednesday’s 94-84 loss.

Even in the loss, Suggs put on a show.

Despite the Cavaliers’ emphasis on contesting and fighting Suggs in traffic, he still found a way to provide a solid offensive statline. Perhaps unsurprising to those who watched him at Gonzaga is that Suggs very clearly hates to lose. The final quarter-and-a-half felt out of reach for the Magic as the Cavs came alive from outside and kept a double digit league throughout multiple rotations. That resulted in things getting a bit chippy when Suggs tried to demonstrate the contact his defenders were getting away with on the referee, resulting in a technical.

Even as the final buzzer rang, Suggs was finding the referee to further air out his grievances and displeasure in the final score. That mentality is exactly what a perennially floundering Magic team needs to turn a corner with their bevy of young assets. It’s hard to imagine a guy unwilling to accept a Summer League double-digit loss being ambivalent to losing the second game of a back-to-back.

We’ll get to see just that scenario as the Magic face the Boston Celtics tomorrow (4 PM PT).

Joel Ayayi - 11 points, 5 assists, 1 rebound, 1 block and 0 turnovers

Ayayi started the game and excelled both on and off the ball, much like he did last year. His decision making proficiency and playing within the system also was as evident, dropping 5 dimes and 0 turnovers. Ayayi may have gotten a bit of an extended run in the first half thanks to fellow Los Angeles Lakers guard Chaundee Brown’s shoe blowing out in the second quarter, but throughout the game he seemed to be the best ball handler and decision maker in the Lakers back court.

Lakers fans were vocal in their displeasure of minute allotments Ayayi’s benching late with the game within reach. Lakers coach Quinton Crawford opted for 2 year vet Justin Robinson, who shot 3 for 10 and had 6 assists and 2 turnovers. Crawford said after their first game that he was challenging Ayayi and fellow rookie Austin Reaves to prove themselves, so we will see if a 4 for 5 performance and clean statline will result in extended minutes. The Lakers play the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.

Killian Tillie - 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists 1 block and 2 turnovers

Tillie showcased all of the calling cards that would make him a solid pro and rotational player in the 19 minutes he was on the floor. Unfortunately, he also showed the one thing that’s hindered his development when slipping and injuring what appeared to be his groin in the 4th quarter. After checking out he did not re-enter the game 2OT game as the Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Miami Heat 97-94.

Grizzlies Summer League coach Darko Rajakovic said Tillie would be evaluated prior to their Friday matchup against the Sacramento Kings. It is worth noting that Tillie is currently playing as a restricted free agent.

Ryan Woolridge - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 turnover

The Oklahoma City Thunder gave Woolridge a bit of a run, playing 16 minutes in the 80-65 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. He was unable to really capitalize on the opportunity, shooting 1 for 4 and missing his lone 3 point attempt. He’ll try to right the ship on Friday against the Golden State Warriors.

Today’s games

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