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LAS VEGAS — It is tough to draw any conclusions from Thursday night's USA National Team "Summer Showcase" in Las Vegas. Essentially a high-profile intrasquad game involving the 25 guys here competing for a spot on the national teams that will compete in the basketball World Cup next summer in Spain and the 2016 Olympics in Rio. It marks the end of this summer's USA Basketball Mini-Camp.
Locals Gordon Hayward (Jazz) and NBA Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard (Weber State) both started for the Blue team. The two teamed up for several early highlights. Lillard had nine points and three assists in the game, assisting as Hayward drilled an early 3-pointer (seven points and three rebounds in 24 minutes), putting their Blue Team up 11-1. From then on, other than an occasional glimpse of defense or a bigtime throw-down, it was a forgettable night for the Blue. It seemed some of the guys were more interested in showing off in Vegas than in showing USA basketball coaches what they could do.
"Play some defense" is what Blue coach Tom Thibodeaux said when asked what he'd like to see from his team after three quarters. "That's the big thing. Right now we're not covering the [3-point] line, we're not tied together, so we got to clean that up."
In the end it was Kyrie Erving (23 points) and his White team blowing out Hayward/Lillard/Favors' Blue team. Like Coach Thibodeaux, Jazzman Hayward didn't like being on the short end of that whipping.
Play some defense. That's the big thing. Right now we're not covering the [3-point] line, we're not tied together, so we got to clean that up.
–Coach Tom Thibodeaux
"Yeah, it's pretty frustrating, but you know, what can you do?" Hayward said. "When I was out there, I played hard. I gained some confidence for sure. I gained some respect probably from other people. But I just tried to get better through this week, and I think I did."
Lillard looked totally comfortable running things for the Blue but also loved playing off the ball a little bit at the 2-guard.
"It was fun," Lillard said. "Just to be out there and try to play the game how my role would probably be on a team in this situation. It was fun playing off the ball a little bit, handling the ball and just playing with that type of talent."
Derek Favors had 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal but picked up 4 fouls in only 8 first half minutes. He left early with back spasms after the disappointing start but no doubt benefited from his second summer minicamp with USA Basketball. His biggest takeaways?
"Just how to bring it everyday in practice," Favors said. "You know, being around a lot of other good basketball players and just working hard and bringing it every day."
Tremendous insight into solid performances from all 3 of these "local" players [provided by nba.com's Sekou Smith](<http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/07/26/usa-basketball-roster-breakdown/ target=>):
Derrick Favors:Summer school tutor Karl Malone has added a noticeable edge to Favors' game. He's always been light on his feet and an eager defender, but he's added a physicality to his game that was on display in scrimmages. He challenged forays to the rim with full force. He runs the floor extremely well and could blend well with whatever group is selected for Spain. One issue: He racked up four fouls in just eight minutes of action in Thursday's Showcase. Gordon Hayward: One of the true breakout performers during the mini-camp. If there was a 12-man group being selected this summer, Hayward would no doubt be on the list. Listed at 210 pounds on the official roster, he seems much bigger and played like it in scrimmages. His best work might have been on the defensive end. His versatility could be the key to his chances of fighting for a roster spot next summer. Damian Lillard If Irving ranked No. 1 on the deep list of point guards in attendance, Lillard was 1-A. He's bulked up a bit since claiming Rookie of the Year honors and his ease running the show and playing off the ball — a crucial aspect for every point guard in mini-camp — was evident. He's still improving as a defender as well and showed off all facets of his game in the Showcase. He's ready if needed.
