J'can duo shines in NBA Summer League

Paul Burrowes

Sunday, July 18, 2010

JAMAICANS Jerome Jordan and Samardo Samuels made their best showing yet in the NBA Summer League by scoring double figures in contrasting results on Friday.

Jordan had 16 points, seven rebounds and one block in the New York Knicks' 92-80 win over Detroits Pistons. The seven-foot Jordan, with 10 points from the field and other six from the free throw line, supported Bill Walker (19 points) and Landry Fields (15 points) as the Knicks go 2-2 with Pistons on 2-3.

While the teams knotted five times and the lead swapped four, Jordan ensured the Knicks had an eight-point lead in the second quarter.

The Knicks paid US$1m for Jordan's draft rights, with the Jamaica College past student saying he was "really excited" and that New York had a "great organisation and I'm happy to be a part of it".

Meanwhile, Samuels stepped up his game with a team-high 19 points (nine rebounds) for the Chicago Bulls, who lost 80-81 to unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers, who were registering their third win.

John Lucas III contributed 15 points and Morris Almond 14 points for the Bulls, who shot 38.7 per cent from the field, compared to the Cavaliers, 45.2 per cent. Samuels, however, has proven that he can produce against NBA talent.

The Bulls Summer League fixture ends today at 5:00 pm (Jamaica time) against the Portland Trail Blazers.