Title: Henderson and Thompson Shine in Summer League Debuts but Suffer Injuries
Date: July 7, 2023
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson and Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson displayed their talents in their summer league debuts on Friday. However, both players had to exit the game due to injuries as the Houston Rockets secured a narrow 100-99 victory.
Henderson, the third overall pick by the Trail Blazers, left the game in the third quarter after sustaining a right shoulder injury. On the other hand, Thompson suffered an apparent left ankle injury in the fourth quarter after falling under the basket. Unfortunately, neither player was able to return to the game following their injuries.
Prior to their untimely exits, both Henderson and Thompson showcased their potential, which justified their lottery selections by their respective teams. Henderson, 19 years old, tallied an impressive stat line with 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Thompson, meanwhile, contributed 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals, and four blocks in just 28 minutes of play.
The game, held in front of the second sellout crowd in the history of the Las Vegas Summer League, was highly anticipated due to the impending debut of the top overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, for the San Antonio Spurs.
Henderson’s performance on the court demonstrated the Portland Trail Blazers’ commitment to building for the future, particularly in light of Damian Lillard’s trade request earlier this month. The 6-foot-3 guard exhibited exceptional size, speed, and strength as he effortlessly penetrated the defense, setting up teammates for open shots or driving to the basket for layups. Henderson’s defensive presence was also evident, as he disrupted plays and constantly pushed the pace.
The matchup between Henderson and Thompson further heightened the excitement of the game. Thompson, a 6-foot-7 guard, displayed his playmaking abilities throughout the contest. With his exceptional court vision, he consistently made the right plays and showcased his comfort on both ends of the court.
Though Henderson and Thompson’s injuries impacted the remainder of the game, it still featured plenty of excitement. Notably, Jabari Smith Jr., the third pick in last year’s draft for the Houston Rockets, stole the show with an outstanding performance. Smith scored 33 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and secured the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.
The injuries suffered by Henderson and Thompson are undoubtedly a cause for concern. However, their impressive debuts serve as an encouraging sign for both the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets, suggesting a promising future for the young guards.