Clippers beat Rockets to open NBA Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- The Los Angeles Clippers just like the city of Las Vegas are starting off the summer hot with a win against the Houston Rockets. Despite the hot shooting of Rockets guard Ben Sheppard, who finished with 28 points. The Clippers defeated the Rockets 95-92 to secure their first summer league win. Some notable faces from the main team took the court starting with Jordan Miller.

Miller finished the game with a team high of 23 points, multiple drives to the basket and a combination of finishes with layups, tear drops, and even a couple of dunks. While he didn't shoot the ball efficiently, he still stayed aggressive going into the second half. Miller was recently waived by the Clippers, but still is participating in summer league with the team to secure an NBA roster spot.

There were a couple more familiar faces of Kobe Brown and Cam Christie that also spent much of last season with the main team. Brown played only 20 minutes, but his time in the first half he made his presence known hitting his first couple of shots finishing with 14 points. As well as being very active in defensive guarding positions 2-4.

Christie didn't receive any real playing time outside of preseason for the Clippers last season. A tough nosed guard who played solid on ball defense mixed in with great attacking at the rim. Christie would finish the game with 21 points.The Clippers showed great toughness including from one of their most well-known young players Trentyn Flowers. While Flowers finished with 13 points and 6 ribs, it was his versatility defensively that made a difference.

The Summer League is a great way to evaluate underlying talent throughout one's roster. The youth of Brown, Flowers, Christie, and possibly Miller depending on if the Clippers choose to bring him back can help an older roster through a 82 game season if they are given the opportunity to develop.