Yang Hansen (C) of the Portland Trail Blazers holds the ball in the NBA Summer League game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 15, 2025. /VCG
Yang Hansen (C) of the Portland Trail Blazers holds the ball in the NBA Summer League game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 15, 2025. /VCG
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 93-87 in the NBA Summer League at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday. Chinese rookie center Yang Hansen made six of his 13 field goals to score 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal for Portland.
Not only did Yang score his highest points since signing with Portland, but he also made three three-pointers out of six attempts. The team's first field goal was a shot made by him from downtown. He also did a good job of containing Yves Missi including giving him a two-handed block. The Blazers had a 14-4 start.
New Orleans have apparently studied Yang's game and invested more efforts in guarding him, especially when he received the ball in the paint. Their rookie big man Derik Queen's athleticism and excellent help defense caused made it difficult for Yang to score next to the hoop.
Yang's response was to take more shots from the outside while setting more screens for his perimeter teammates. His work helped Rayan Rupert and Calbe Love charge rim in an easier way. The two combined to score 41 points. Love also grabbed team high 12 rebounds.
Queen, who was drafted three places ahead of Yang, got a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans. The other rookie Jeremiah Fears, who was selected with the seventh pick, contributed 14 points. Their performance kept the game close until the final quarter, but Portland sealed the deal by outscoring New Orleans 35-25 in this quarter.