Yang Hansen #16 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket during the game against the Houston Rockets during the 2025 NBA Summer League
On Wednesday, the Trail Blazers faced the Warriors again in the NBA preseason. In his third career preseason game, Trail Blazers’ Chinese basketballer Yang Hanshen went 4-of-11 from the field, recording 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block with 4 fouls. His 6 rebounds marked a preseason career high, while his 4 fouls were a new preseason low.
Yang entered the game past the midway point of the first quarter, replacing starter Klingen. In his four minutes on the floor in the opening quarter, he grabbed 4 rebounds, disrupted Curry’s layup attempt, and scored the game’s first points with a put-back after a post mismatch against Bojemski.
With 8:30 remaining in the second quarter, Yang returned to the floor. He hit a floater after creating space on Horford beyond the three-point line and, in the following possessions, frequently used screens to set up teammates for scoring opportunities.
By halftime, Yang had played 8 minutes and 39 seconds, going 2-of-4 for 4 points and 6 rebounds, his preseason career high in boards, while committing just 1 foul, finishing with a +1 plus-minus.
In the fourth quarter, Yang returned in the final moments, first recording a block, and then scoring on a driving layup. He finished the game with 20 minutes of action, going 4-of-11 for 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block with 4 fouls.
In the first two preseason games, Yang displayed markedly different performances. In his debut against the Warriors on October 9, Yang played 21 minutes, going 2-of-5 for 4 points and 4 rebounds with 1 assist, while also committing 4 turnovers and 6 fouls.
Two days later, back on the Trail Blazers’ home court, Yang delivered a career-highlight performance, scoring 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting with 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks. He was particularly impressive in the third quarter, going a perfect 5-out-of-5 to contribute 14 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block.
“He’s had some moments in camp where he showed some flashes,” Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups told reporters. “He’s had some moments where you’re just like, ‘Wow. He’s not supposed to be doing that at that size.'”
“(Yang’s) been great,” said his teammate Deni Avdija. “Very high IQ, very good passer, I can see him fitting really, really well with his scheme. And I’m just going to say he knows how to play. Regardless of how we play or which team he played; I feel like he would be good because he’s a good player. He knows how to play.”
Beijing-based sports commentator Guo Ai told the Global Times on Wednesday that Yang’s rate of growth has exceeded many expectations.
“Compared with his first game against the Warriors, today Yang played with much more composure, initiative and confidence,” Guo said. “In 20 minutes on the court, he demonstrated a variety of offensive skills and delivered multi-layered contributions.”
Guo emphasized that Yang’s progress extends beyond skills to mindset and game understanding.
“From being flustered in the first game to now handling the ball with poise and controlling fouls, he has turned the preseason hot topic of ‘6 fouls in a game’ into a highlight reel featuring ‘6 rebounds in a game,'” Guo said.
“This shows that the 20-year-old is not only adapting to the NBA’s pace, but also shaping his own identity in the league. His potential is very promising,” Guo added.