Explosive performance! Dominating the Western Conference's second-ranked team! Yang Hansen, the NBA second overall pick, delivers a block showcase.

Blocking the fellow second overall pick Harper in the same draft class.

At the top of the arc, distributing the ball and assisting a teammate’s layup.

Yang Hansen, coming off the bench for about 11 minutes, went 0-for-1 shooting, made both free throws (2-for-2) for 2 points, grabbed 2 rebounds (including 1 offensive board), dished 1 assist, and recorded 2 blocks — the highest on the team — aiding the Trail Blazers in their 115-110 upset over the Spurs, who are second in the Western Conference.

Here are the Trail Blazers’ stats:

Here are the Spurs’ stats:

Speaking of which, Sharpe played a very inefficient and frustrating game, shooting just 3-for-16 for 6 points and committing several baffling turnovers; fortunately, his teammates stepped up, or else he would have definitely been called into a serious team meeting.

Back to the main point: The Trail Blazers have won 4 of their last 5 games and currently hold a 16-20 record, ranking ninth in the West. This season, they genuinely have a shot at making the play-in tournament. There are no signs of tanking, which means Yang Hansen will likely struggle to get ample development minutes this season and must maximize his impact within limited playing time.

Actually, Yang Hansen has now secured a relatively stable rotation role,playing at least 10 minutes in four of the last five games.As long as Lowry is out, he serves as the Trail Blazers’ primary backup center — a very positive sign indicating he is gradually earning Splitter’s trust.

If Yang Hansen can improve the consistency of his outside shooting and enhance his rebounding skills — so far, he’s made only 3 of 22 three-pointers for a 13.6% shooting rate — he will likely earn more playing time and a higher tactical role.

In another notable matchup, the Mavericks defeated the visiting Rockets 110-104 at home. So far this season, the Rockets hold a 21-11 record, ranking fourth in the West, while the Mavericks stand at 13-23, placing 13th in the conference.

Anthony Davis faced a Rockets team missing Sengun (who played just 1 minute before exiting due to injury) and Adams, shooting 9-for-15 to score an efficient 26 points with 12 rebounds and 5 blocks — an explosive stat line. When healthy, he remains one of the league’s elite All-Star big men, but his difficulty staying healthy keeps him on the trade market. The NBA trade deadline is set for February 6, Beijing time this season.

Eastern Conference playoff-level teams are very eager to acquire Anthony Davis, including the Pistons and Raptors. As rising contenders in the league, they all have ambitions to reach the summit.