BASKETBALL: Flynn scores 11 in summer league debut

Sports

July 12, 2009

Staff report The Niagara Gazette Sun Jul 12, 2009, 11:34 PM EDT

Jonny Flynn scored 11 points and handed out a game-high seven assists Sunday in his NBA Summer League debut in Las Vegas.

Fellow Niagara Falls native Paul Harris contributed five points, two steals, a blocked shot and one rebound in eight minutes of action, as the Minnesota Timberwolves lost 79-65 to the Houston Rockets.

Flynn had a rocky start, turning the ball over three times in the early going, but responded with consecutive 3-pointers to help the Wolves take an 18-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. Flynn finished with seven turnovers in 29 minutes, and also tallied a steal and a rebound. He shot 3 for 10 from the floor, and 3 for 4 from the free throw line.

ESPN analyst David Thorpe provided commentary of the game on Twitter, and praised Flynn’s shooting mechanics, driving ability, and demeanor.

“Flynn has a very strong presence on the court without being ostentatious about it,” Thorpe wrote. “I love that.”

Thorpe, who is also the executive director of the Pro Training Center at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla., was less impressed with Harris.

“Can Paul Harris play? I have serious doubts,” Thorpe wrote. “He’s strong as an ox and moves well, but I’m not seeing much thinking. Yet.”

Harris wasn’t the only Minnesota player who struggled. Wayne Ellington, whom the Timberwolves drafted No. 28 overall, shot 2 for 12 from the field, and missed both of his 3-point attempts. He did grab eight rebounds in 24 minutes.

Corey Brewer made his return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in December, and started at small forward for the Timberwolves. He had 14 points and five rebounds in 18 minutes, shooting 4 for 11 from the field and 6 for 6 from the line.

Thorpe, a graduate of Brewer’s former school, the University of Florida, called Brewer “a horrible disappointment right now.”

The Timberwolves face the D-League Select team at 4 p.m. today, and the are off until Friday.

NBA.com is broadcasting every summer league game live and on-demand for a $14.99 fee.

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