After playing together last season with the G League Ignite, Ron Holland II and Matas Buzelis met as opponents for the first time in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Holland and the Detroit Pistons took the matchup on Tuesday.
The fifth pick produced 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal on 7-of-20 shooting from the field in the 85-77 win over Holland and the Chicago Bulls at the Thomas & Mack Center. Holland logged 31 minutes in his second appearance.
Buzelis countered with a team-high 18 points, four blocks, three rebounds and two steals in 31 minutes. The 11th pick shot 7-of-18 from the field and 1-of-6 from 3-point range.
Ron Holland (@DetroitPistons) and Matas Buzelis (@chicagobulls) went head to head for the FIRST time! 🔥
The former @gleagueignite teammates both put on a show, showcasing some awesome two-way play in the process. pic.twitter.com/DfRQKE7Fw4
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 17, 2024
The two players put on a show in front of those in the arena and watching on ESPN. They even matched up against each other on a few occasions throughout the contest. Afterward, they shook hands, shared a hug and had the opportunity to catch up.
Holland and Buzelis represent a key part of the future for their respective teams. They established themselves as lottery picks after strong campaigns in the G League and now figure to have high expectations entering the 2024-25 season.
The opportunity to face off in summer league was likely an exciting moment for the former teammates. That will have to suffice until they see each other in the regular season.
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