LAS VEGAS — The summer league debut for Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson and Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson was filled with both impressive displays and unfortunate injuries. In a highly anticipated game that ended with a 100-99 victory for Houston, Henderson and Thompson had to leave the court due to injuries.
Henderson, who was selected as the No. 3 overall pick by Portland, exited the game in the third quarter after sustaining a right shoulder injury. Unfortunately, he did not return to the game. Thompson, on the other hand, suffered an apparent left ankle injury after falling under the basket in the fourth quarter. Like Henderson, Thompson was unable to come back into the game after his injury.
Prior to their departures, Henderson and Thompson showcased their talent, proving why they were chosen near the top of the lottery by Portland and Houston, respectively. Both players displayed impressive skills throughout the game.
At just 19 years old, Henderson finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Thompson, meanwhile, contributed 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals, and four blocks in his 28 minutes on the court.
The selection of Henderson by Portland was seen as a significant move, indicating the future of superstar guard Damian Lillard, who recently requested a trade from the team he has played for his whole career. With Portland’s general manager, Joe Cronin, present at the game, Henderson demonstrated his size, speed, and strength, which had previously made him a top contender for the Charlotte Hornets’ second pick.
Henderson consistently penetrated the lane, creating opportunities for his teammates to score from beyond the arc or finishing with layups at the rim. He also showcased his shooting ability with a couple of pull-up jumpers early in the game. Despite his shooting becoming slightly less accurate as the game progressed, Henderson remained engaged on both ends of the court. He made defensive plays, such as disrupting the opponents’ possessions, and constantly pushed the pace of the game. The fact that he was often matched up against Thompson only added to the excitement.
Thompson, a 6-foot-7 guard known for his playmaking abilities, proved why he was the highest-ever drafted player from the Overtime Elite program. Throughout the game, he consistently made the right decisions with the ball, showcasing a remarkable understanding of the game. Thompson’s passing skills drew cheers from the crowd, and he appeared comfortable on both offense and defense.
Although Henderson and Thompson’s injuries prematurely ended their respective performances, the game continued to captivate the audience. The matchup featured several first-round picks from recent drafts on both teams. Shaedon Sharpe, who is likely to be Henderson’s backcourt partner in Portland this season, scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. However, it was Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 3 pick in last year’s draft, who stole the show. Smith finished with an impressive 33 points and seven rebounds, including a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Despite the unfortunate injuries, the summer league debut of Henderson and Thompson demonstrated their immense potential. Both players showcased their skills and left a lasting impression on the crowd, setting the stage for an exciting future in the NBA.
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