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Lyles Explodes in Game 2 of Jazz Summer League

Trey Lyles dominated in the Jazz’ 89-82 loss to the Boston Celtics at Vivint Smart Home Arena Tuesday night.

SALT LAKE CITY—Trey Lyles dominated game two of the Utah Jazz Summer League. He finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists in the Jazz’ 89-82 loss to the Boston Celtics at Vivint Smart Home Arena Tuesday night.

It’s the Summer League, so wins and losses don’t really matter in the grand scheme of the NBA. But Lyles still feels responsible for the team remaining winless in the first two games of the week. “I’m embracing [a leadership role] a lot,” Lyles said after the game. “I take the loss personally because I’m the leader of this team.”

Lyles looked like he took it personally for at least one play, when he crossed over Celtics forward Malcolm Miller, blowing by him to the paint, and slamming the ball through the rim, prompting the loudest reaction from the Jazz-friendly crowd of 7,309.

The second-year player showed leadership on the floor given an opportunity, directing his teammates on most plays on both ends of the court, and even taking the ball up on offense on several occasions. He noted that ballhandling is something the coaching staff wanted him to work on during the summer.

Former Utah State Aggie Spencer Butterfield started the game hot, blocking a shot and sinking a three-pointer on the other end, earning cheering from his family of around thirty, who are in the middle of a summer family reunion. Butterfield finished with eight points in nearly 23 minutes of play.

Utah forward Dionte Christmas shined brightly as well, scoring 14 points and grabbing three rebounds.

The Jazz will have Wednesday off before playing the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday to concluding the Summer League. Thursday’s game will be played at the University of Utah’s Jon M. Huntsman Center at 7:00 M.T.

Trey Lyles Postgame:

Johnnie Bryant Postgame:

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