Something got into Byron Mullens on day four at the Orlando Summer League vs NJ/Philly. Maybe it was just getting more comfortable as the week elapsed, or maybe it was an inadvertent shot to the chops that required medical attention early in the 1st. But whatever it was, Mullens would turn it into a very good performance.Oklahoma City Summer League coach Brian Keefe decided to give Mullens the start over Serge Ibaka. Mullens really seemed to take that oppurtunity to heart because he got off to a very fast start. Right off the jump Byron aggresively ran the floor, repeatedly beating his man to the block for good post position, or filling lanes in transition for easy looks.
He started out with a tough contested jumper over Marreese Speights. From there Byron would not look back, he then hit two wide open mid range js before throwing down two well placed lobs. The dude was so comfortable out there that he even attempted a top of the key three pointer! He had 12 first half points, and finished with 18, which included a monster put back slam in the 2nd half.
"We just turned on the defense in the first quarter and it started right there," said Mullens.
If you viewed this summer league game, you saw all of the potential that people see/saw in this guy. Mullens was all over the place, even battling on the boards and on D. And it was great to see. This kid obviously needs to improve, but I get the feelilng that he'll flourish once he gets rid of his own self doubts and mental hurdles. This was the best Mullens performance that I've seen.
Game recap & boxscore http://www.nba.com/magic/news/OKC-NJNPHI_recap_070909.html
Byron finishes up Summer League in Orlando tommarow vs Utah at 11:AM.
Watch for free here :) http://www.nba.com/magic/2009_Orlando_Pro_Summer_League.html
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