One of the more consistent former Illini with regards to playtime in the NBA 2K24 Summer League, Tevian Jones, who has played in all three of the New Orleans Pelicans games. Earning an increased role with each passing day, Jones has seen his minutes climb from nine in game one to 20 in game three.

Even still, Jones began the evening on New Orleans’ bench. He watched from the sideline as his teammates began their 7:00 p.m. CT meeting with the Phoenix Suns but quickly checked in before the midway point of the first quarter. Despite participating in hounding defense as always, Jones did not end up record many counting stats before each team retired to their benches for intermission.

Jones was back on the bench coming out of the break and did not return until the final four minutes. Once again, Jones had a bit of a quiet stretch on the floor and put up just two shots, both of which were from three-point territory, for a halftime line of four points and two rebounds.

Through 20 minutes, the Pelicans managed to create a small amount of separation for a score of 39-36. 

Deeming halftime not a long enough break for Jones, New Orleans returned him to the bench for just about five minutes of play to open the second half. When Jones came back onto the court, the game was tied at 46 a piece. Defense, combined with a rebound and two buckets for Jones, saw the Pelicans take back a marginal lead going into the fourth. Jones’ second field goal of the quarter in particular, stood out as a last second layup that pushed the score to 59-54. 

Once again, Jones was moved back to the bench to begin the period. When he did return at exactly the halfway point of the quarter, Jones made an immediate impact and nailed a three point shot that nearly pushed the Pelican lead to double-digits. Just two minutes later, he officially accomplished this feat with yet another three-point basket that gave his squad a 77-67 advantage. 

To top it all off, teammate Dyson Daniels later found Jones in transition for a left-handed alley-oop slam that all but sealed a New Orleans victory. 

Jones finished the night at New Orleans’ leading scorer, a feat that no former Illini had accomplished to this point in Summer League. A statline consisting of 16 points and five rebounds, all while playing intense, physical defense is sure to result in Jones seeing yet another minutes increase for the Pelicans’ fourth game. 

New Orleans advanced to 2-1 following the win, with its next appearance being Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. CT against the Charlotte Hornets. 

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