If Sam Young's rookie season was his coming out party, then last night's game was his coming out after-party. After averaging 7.4 points in 2009-2010 (including scoring in double figures 25 times), Young entered this year's summer league with something to prove: he wanted to show the Grizzlies that he could handle an increased scoring load and that he could play effective defense.
After two good-but-not-great summer league games, Young exploded for an astounding 35 points last night. While playing just 33 minutes, Young went 12-17 from the field and 11-13 from the free-throw line. If that wasn't enough, he threw down a few thunderous dunks, played stingy defense all night and sparked the Grizzlies' run that put the game out of reach. Young's 35 points were the most scored in a summer league game this season.
Not to be outdone, fellow sophomore Hasheem Thabeet filled up the box score as well. Thabeet added 21 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks in the best all-around game of his summer league and, arguably, his career. His performance reminded us of why the Grizzlies took him with the #2 pick in last year's draft. If only he could have such a game in the regular season...
With O.J. Mayo now practicing with the USA Basketball team, rookie Greivis Vasquez got his first taste of the starting point guard role. Despite some rough patches, he mostly played well, smoothly directing the offense and even chipping in 9 points. Vasquez dished out 7 assists, against just 4 turnovers, and proved much more adept at the point than Mayo.
Overall, last night's game was a great one for the Grizzlies. Although it is important to remind oneself that this is just the summer league, a game like that gives a fan like me hope heading into the season. And, in the words of Andy Dufresne, "hope is a good thing."
The Grizzlies' next game is tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Owen
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