(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
The Blazers kicked off their summer league tonight, playing the Toronto Raptors close for the majority of the game but eventually losing 92-87.
Portland started the game brilliantly, with only four turnovers in the first half and Jerryd Bayless was dynamic offensively. Not only that, Dante Cunningham and Jeff Pendergraph showed why they might be worthy roster additions in the upcoming season.
Although the outcome means very little, the way the team lost the game in the second half was unacceptable. Sloppy play and bad defense led to 15 second half turnovers which ultimately doomed the young Blazer squad.
Despite a good offensive game, Bayless couldn't guard Toronto's Quincy Douby and ended up with a brutal seven assists-to-six turnovers mark for the game. It remains to be seen whether Bayless is capable of being the point guard we need; at times it looked like he was forcing passes.
But I must say he looked very good in the first quarter, making the right decisions on offense and getting Portland out to an early lead.
Another highlight of this game had to be Dante Cunningham. Dante looked athletic, smart, and more talented than the competition. Also, Pendergraph finished with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting and nine rebounds in 26 minutes.
The local favorite, Pooh Jeter, was stellar in his limited playing time, scoring 10 points and grabbing three steals in 15 minutes.
It's just the first game for Portland, but both teams looked unorganized and discombobulated on defense.
Such is the nature of NBA summer league basketball, where more than ever players have to get theirs and prove to the coaching staff they belong on the roster.
I'm looking forward to Game Two on Wednesday and of course being in attendance for Friday's game.
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