The Kings wrapped up Las Vegas Summer League play with a 91-82 win against the Boston Celtics. Thomas Robinson got to battle against fellow rookie Jared Sullinger, while Jimmer Fredette took a conservative, yet effective, approach in helping Sacramento to victory.
THOMAS ROBINSON
T-Rob really had an outstanding all-around game against the Celtics. Right from the jump, Robinson struggled putting the ball in the basket. But as has been on display in Vegas, the rookie forward flashed the other solid aspects of his game. His tenacity on the boards was excellent — you have to love his surehandedness in ripping down rebounds. Defensively, Robinson was strong, showing good instincts and even making a stellar block after chasing down Sullinger on one particular play. His mistakes with the ball were fewer, and he again made some really nice touch passes that foreshadow great things ahead in that department. Eventually, Robinson found a little offensive groove, canning a couple jumpers and capping the win with a reverse jam. It was the kind of game that should make fans feel much better about Robinson’s future prospects. Even when he’s not scoring, he can contribute, and there are areas of his game that are NBA ready right now.
32 MIN, 15 PTS (6-14 FG, 3-6 FT), 16 REB, 3 AST, 5 TO, 1 BLK
JIMMER FREDETTE
Jimmer reined it in a little in the finale, taking just seven shots and hoisting only three from downtown. In the first four games, it looked like Fredette was set on getting shots up and building some confidence in his offensive game. Against Boston, Jimmer took what the defense gave him. However, he maintained his aggressiveness in getting toward the rim. He drew contact and got to the line, where he converted on 90 percent of his attempts. If you’re grading Jimmer for his point guard play, it’s hard to give him a passing score. He dished out five assists, but he was not much of a floor general and rarely broke down the defense in a half-court set. Hopefully Jimmer will still get ample opportunities to play off the ball when the season rolls around because that is where he can thrive. Playing alongside a guy like Tyreke Evans, who can penetrate defenses with ease, will only help Fredette get better looks from the outside.
32 MIN, 19 PTS (4-7 FG, 2-3 3FG, 9-10 FT), 2 REB, 5 AST, 3 TO
THE OTHERS
Yancy Gates, the undrafted rookie from Cincy, finally produced a solid game, showing decent offensive skills and serving the same space-eating role of Darnell Jackson. Hard to say he earned a training camp invite but it is possible … Tony Mitchell was again effective in 19 minutes of play. He probably intrigued another team, one that has a better opportunity for him to make the roster in the backcourt … No Josh Akognon and only a brief glimpse of Michael Lee, two guys who impressed over the five-game schedule.