The playoff bracket of the 2017 NBA Summer League isn’t exactly a do-or-die affair. With the consolation bracket and a guaranteed minimum number of games, it’s not “win or go home”, but, “Win and play in the big arena or lose and play in a smaller one.” Tonight the Portland Trail Blazers showed that they weren’t ready for a dim spotlight when a brighter one was available. Down starters, but not downtrodden, the Blazers overcame injuries and the Chicago Bulls, advancing to the second round with a hard-fought, 88-77 win.
As has been their habit the entire tournament, the Blazers got off to a rough start in this game.