LAS VEGAS - Kai Sotto finally saw action in his first NBA Summer League game on Thursday (Friday, Manila time), starting tentatively but finishing strong in the Orlando Magic's 88-71 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 21-year old Filipino center was immediately called for 3-second defensive violation just seconds into his debut after sitting out the Magic's first three games - all losses - in the preseason showcase as a DNP-CD (Did Not Play-Coach's Decision).
WATCH:
Sotto hardly made an impression in 5:37 minutes in the first half but played better in the final half, where he scored six points and made two highlight blocks to the delight of the Filipino fans inside the Thomas & Mack Center.
The 7-3 center was sent in for an encore by Magic coach Dylan Murphy in the final two mkinutes, where he hit a two-handed dunk to cap a 13:23-minute performance marked by six points, four rebounds, three blocks and one turnover.
He went 3-for-7 from the field as the 11th and last player off the bench for Orlando, which sat out eight of the players who cornered most of the minutes in the first three games, including top draft picks Anthony Black and Jett Howard.
In their absence, Dexter Dennis led the 0-4 Magic with 16 points, DJ Wilson, who started at center, finished with 11 points and six boards while Quinndary Weatherspoon and Tyger Campbell were the other players in double figures with 11 and 10, respectively.
The Magic are now 0-4 with one Summer League game to play on Saturday against the Boston Celtics.
The Blazers, who sat No. 2 draft pick Scoot Herderson, improved to 4-1 in the preseason showcase. They were led by Michael Devoe's 18 points.
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