Filipino basketball sensation Kai Sotto finally made his highly-anticipated debut in the NBA Summer League, representing the Orlando Magic. The momentous occasion took place during their thrilling match against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night (Friday morning, Manila time) at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
After patiently waiting on the bench for the team’s previous three games, the 7-foot-3 Sotto’s appearance on the court sparked excitement among Filipino basketball fans who had eagerly anticipated his NBA debut.
Sotto’s entry in the second quarter instantly showcased his defensive prowess as he delivered an impressive block against Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe.
Continuing his impact in the third quarter, the aspiring NBA player displayed his versatility by contributing on offense, scoring with a tip-in and sinking a remarkable long-distance shot. He also demonstrated his defensive skills with a couple of additional blocks.
To the delight of the crowd, Sotto concluded his performance with a powerful slam dunk, leaving a lasting impression on the game.
Throughout the match, Sotto tallied six points on 3-of-7 field goal shooting. He further contributed with four rebounds, three blocks, and an assist, impressively showcasing his abilities in the 13 minutes of playtime he received.
Despite Sotto’s commendable efforts, the Orlando Magic faced an 88-71 defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers. This loss marked the fourth consecutive defeat for the Magic in the NBA Summer League, with Sotto being benched in the team’s first three games.
While the game did not result in victory for the Orlando Magic, Kai Sotto’s NBA Summer League debut left a positive impression. Fans eagerly anticipate his continued growth and future achievements on the international basketball stage.
