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Orlando Magic Summer League Standout Continues to Dominate
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- Orlando Magic Summer League Standout Continues to Dominate
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Orlando Magic rookie Izaiyah Nelson suffered a fractured left ankle during Orlando's 112-105 Summer League victory over the Portland Trail Blazers , dealing an early setback to the team's lone selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Magic Summer League guard Lester Quinones spoke on his game-high 30 points and the overall team victory.
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On the team's energy shift down the stretch and in overtime:
"There was just a switch on our energy. Exactly on the point, whether you're watching in person, on TV, on the sidelines, you could see when that shift happened. Defensively, we kind of just emphasized bringing energy and playing harder than them. I feel like that third-quarter stint, when we were pressing a little bit, you could just feel the shift in the game."
On how the team came together and executed without Jase Richardson :
"Just playing together. We told everybody right before the game, if everybody shares the ball and everybody looks good, we all win. And the only way we all eat is if we all win. So, there was a lot of drive, kick, swing. There's a lot of just trusting your teammates, spacing the floor. If we kept doing that every play—it kind of hurt in the beginning, we weren't hitting as many shots, but we stayed true to it. We picked up our intensity, and then we pulled it through."
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On the ongoing growth and poise of big man Colin Castleton :
"It's growth—just his poise in the pocket. I feel like when I come off and that big man is kind of on his heels and I hit Colin, it's either going to be a foul or a bucket. I feel like nine out of 10 times with him. So, just his catching there and being able to pass as a seven-footer, finish, and have footwork down there. That's just an advantage he has over guys his size."
On receiving praise from the coaching staff regarding his passing ability:
"I just feel like it kind of comes naturally, just with me and all the gravity that I attract with the ball. Whenever I get the ball and I just see shifts, I see everybody coming to the ball, it's almost like a simple play to me. Coaches tell me as long as I keep it simple—if I drive right to the nail, they're going to collapse. And then a simple kick-swing could just have somebody a wide-open shot."
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On representing the Dominican community and showcasing 'Platano Power' in the NBA:
"Oh, it's great, man. Shout out to LJ Figueroa, too. I seen him doing his thing over there in Golden State . Proud of him that he's showing off the Dominican love over there. It's just great. I always have love over there. Y'all know it's Platano Power."
On finding inspiration in the rising wave of Dominican talent across the basketball landscape:
"It's truly inspiring. Coming from my roots on my mom's side—my mom is kind of my Spanish side, my grandfather was born in Dominican Republic—just seeing the flag everywhere you go, everybody talks about it, seeing that bandera everywhere, it's a real feeling. Like I said, we competitive, and that Dominican blood in us, we always going to fight to the end."
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On the potential of playing for the Dominican Republic national team again in the future:
"Of course, definitely. Me and my agent have spoken about it, and when the time comes for that, I feel like we'll sit down and negotiate whenever it's time for me to play for them. But I'm definitely looking forward to that. I'll always represent my country."
On Keon Johnson 's grit and his game-tying free throws under pressure:
"Just his grit. I love playing with Keon on both ends. He's going to play his heart out on defense. He's going to come out on offense and make the right reads. And just his skill level—I feel like that's what's underrated about him is his passing, because with his ability to get down in the paint, when he kicks and finds open guys, that just looks amazing."
