July 6, 2005

Dennis Rogers
drogers@vegassummerleague.com

Travis Outlaw ended the 2004-05 season with the Portland Trail Blazers on a tear. In the final 15 games of the season, Outlaw averaged 10.6 points on 53% shooting and grabbed 3.2 rebounds per contest. In the final two months of the season, Outlaw logged more than 20 minutes 17 times and scored in double-figures in 11 of those 17 contests. He picked up where he left off on Wednesday evening as he scored 34 points (12-17 FG) and grabbed five rebounds, leading the Blazers past the New York Knicks, 93-89.

The Knicks climbed within three at 86-89 on a Otis George dunk with 39 seconds remaining. However, two free throws by Kris Lang and a dunk by Outlaw sealed the win for the Blazers.

Martell Webster, the fifth overall selection in the 2005 NBA Draft, collected 21 points (9-15 FG) and five rebounds in 27 minutes for the Blazers. Sebastian Telfair electrified the crowd with his all-around game and spectacular finishes. Telfair nearly missed a triple-double finishing with 18 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in 35 minutes.

First-round pick Nate Robinson showed worthy of the selection as he had 20 points (7-17 FG), five rebounds and four assists. Fellow rookie Channing Frye finished with 16 points (5-15 FG) and three rebounds for the Knicks.

The Blazers shot 55 percent (36-65 FG) for the game, while the Knicks shot 44 percent (33-75 FG). The game was tied at the half, 49-49.

Portland will take on the Golden State Warriors at noon on Friday, while New York will battle the Orlando Magic tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Day 1 Photos

Summer League Central

Outlaw on Summer League Radar