Splitter Calls Yang’s First NBA Start ‘a Great Lesson’

Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen made his first NBA start in a 119-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. With Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III injured, the 7-foot-2 rookie played 19 minutes, recording 4 points (2-5 shooting), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 turnovers.

Interim head coach Tiago Splitter described the game as a valuable learning experience for Yang, especially since he matched up against 7-foot-3 center Zach Edey. Splitter noted that while Yang's start wasn't great, he finished the game better, calling it a great lesson for his development.

Yang struggled in the first half, scoring zero points with just one rebound and four fouls in eight minutes as the Blazers fell behind by 20. However, he improved in the second half, scoring all four of his points, grabbing more rebounds, and committing only one foul in 12 minutes.

Splitter also addressed a controversial play in the fourth quarter where Yang was struck in the face by Edey's forearm without a foul call. Yang lost the ball and fell to the floor, but referees did not stop play to check on him. Splitter received a technical foul for protesting the sequence, criticizing the officials for not allowing time to review the play or ensure Yang's safety.

Splitter attributed the Blazers' loss to a low-energy start, being outrebounded 65-47, and Memphis' bench outscoring Portland's 69-35. The Blazers and Yang will rest before their next game against the New Orleans Pelicans, and with extra days off, Portland's center rotation may heal, potentially affecting Yang's role in the upcoming game.