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NBA Summer League 2024: Hot Takes on Risacher, DJ Burns, Top Stars from Day 3 Results

Doric Sam

The NBA 2K25 Summer League continued in Las Vegas with a slate of exciting games on Sunday.

The day was highlighted by 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher leading the Atlanta Hawks against the San Antonio Spurs. No. 2 pick Alex Sarr and the Washington Wizards also went up against No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard and the Houston Rockets. NCAA tournament legend DJ Burns was also in action for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Here's a look at how some of the top young players performed on Sunday plus some fan reactions.

Day 3 Scores

Cleveland Cavaliers 112, Milwaukee Bucks 81

Los Angeles Clippers 87, Brooklyn Nets 78

Minnesota Timberwolves 105, Indiana Pacers 94

Houston Rockets 109, Washington Wizards 91

Orlando Magic 91, New Orleans Pelicans 86

San Antonio Spurs 79, Atlanta Hawks 76

Toronto Raptors 84, Denver Nuggets 81

Golden State Warriors 92, Chicago Bulls 82

Zaccharie Risacher

The Spurs were without No. 4 pick Stephon Castle, who will miss the remainder of Summer League due to a wrist sprain. However, Risacher struggled to capitalize as the Hawks suffered a 79-76 loss.

The 19-year-old notched 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting while adding five rebounds, two assists and a block. He connected on just one out of his seven attempts from beyond the arc.

Fans on social media found a few bright spots in Risacher's game that were worth praising:

Risacher will seek a better performance when the Hawks return to action on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers, who are led by Dalton Knecht and Bronny James.

Sarr vs. Sheppard

In the battle between two of the top three picks, Sheppard greatly outshined Sarr as the Rockets earned a 109-91 win over the Wizards.

Sheppard poured in 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting with seven assists and six rebounds. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end with five steals and a block. Sarr was limited to eight points on 4-of-14 shooting and notched four rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

Sheppard's performance earned him the respect of some of the NBA's top stars like Trae Young and Ja Morant and had social media buzzing, as it looks like he has the makings of a future star for the Rockets:

Meanwhile, Sarr's outing left much to be desired.

Sheppard and the Rockets will have a quick turnaround as they meet the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Sarr and the Wizards will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

Rob Dillingham

Arguably the biggest steal of the draft, Rob Dillingham had a breakout performance as he helped lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 105-94 win over the Indiana Pacers. The 2024 No. 8 pick recorded 14 points, eight assists and two steals in the victory.

Dillingham showcased his aggression and playmaking ability as he created opportunities for himself and his teammates early and often.

Dillingham's strong performance, and his passing in particular, earned praise from fans on social media:

Dillingham and the Timberwolves will be taking on the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

DJ Burns

After being limited to four points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal in 12 minutes in his Summer League debut on Friday, Burns saw a bit more action in Sunday's 112-81 blowout win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Burns posted seven points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in 14 minutes off the bench.

The former NC State big man showed off his moves in the post:

Fans enjoyed what they saw from Burns as he made the most out of his playing time on Sunday:

Burns and the Cavs will be back in action on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.

   

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