LAS VEGAS, July 16 (Reuters) – Hyunjung Lee, a 6-foot-7 shooting guard from South Korea, scored 22 points off the bench to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a Summer League victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Lee knocked down four of six three-point attempts, outshining No. 2 overall pick Cooper Peterson, who struggled to contain the Spurs’ sharpshooter.
Lee’s performance in the desert was no fluke. In his home country, he is often compared to Stephen Curry after setting a FIBA single-game record with nine three-pointers against China in a World Cup qualifier last November. “We all know he can shoot the basketball,” Spurs Summer League coach Corliss Williamson said.
Breaking Down the 22-Point Masterclass
Lee came off the bench midway through the first quarter and immediately changed the game’s tempo. He moved without the ball, curling off screens and releasing his shot in under 0.4 seconds. His quick trigger forced Peterson into defensive lapses, leaving Lee open for catch-and-shoot threes. Peterson finished the game with 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting, often fouling Lee in frustration.
| Player | Points | 3-Pointers Made | Field Goal % | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyunjung Lee | 22 | 4-of-6 | 66.7% | +15 |
| Cooper Peterson (No. 2 pick) | 12 | 1-of-6 | 26.7% | -12 |
“Hyunjung Lee’s basketball IQ is off the charts,” Williamson added. “He reads defenses, knows where to spot up, and punishes mistakes.” Lee’s 22 points came without a single isolation play—all were generated through motion offense, a system the Spurs have long favored.
The ‘Korean Curry’ Phenomenon
Lee’s shooting mechanics mirror Curry’s—a high, quick release from above his forehead, with minimal wasted motion. His off-ball movement, however, is distinct. He uses pin-down screens and backdoor cuts to create separation, a style refined during two professional seasons overseas. That international experience gave him a maturity edge over raw rookies like Peterson, who often lost Lee in transition.
“In South Korea, however, he is basically Steph Curry,” a HoopsHype report noted in July, referencing his FIBA record. That pedigree makes his Summer League success sustainable, not a one-game anomaly. Lee’s ability to stretch defenses—shooting 40% or better from deep in three of his last four overseas seasons—provides a strategic blueprint for San Antonio.
Outshining the Lottery Pick
The ChosunBiz headline read: “Lee Hyun-jung outshoots No.2 pick Peterson, scores 22 to lift Spurs in Las Vegas.” Peterson’s defensive gaps were exposed repeatedly. On one possession, he sagged off Lee to help on a drive, leaving the Korean open for a corner three. On another, he failed to close out, and Lee pump-faked, drove, and finished with a floater.
This matchup underscores a broader scouting failure. Peterson, selected second overall for his athleticism and defensive versatility, was outsmarted by a player who relies on fundamentals and spacing. Lee’s basketball IQ punished those errors, elevating the game from a Summer League win to a statement about player development.
Rewriting the Asian Basketball Script
Lee’s trajectory challenges the “role player” ceiling often assigned to Asian prospects. At 6-foot-7, he offers a rare combination of size and shooting range. The Spurs, known for unearthing international gems like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, are betting on Lee as more than a specialist—a player who can initiate offense and defend multiple positions.
“Hyunjung Lee is rewriting the Asian basketball script,” a Spurs scout said. “He’s not just a shooter; he’s a potential starter who can create his own shot.” His 22-point explosion in Las Vegas serves as a harbinger: if he maintains defensive consistency and playmaking off the dribble, he could crack the main rotation by preseason.
What’s Next: Path to a Regular Role
To secure a roster spot, Lee must focus on three areas: defensive consistency, ball-handling under pressure, and staying healthy. The Spurs’ depth chart includes guards like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, but Lee’s shooting gravity could earn him a sixth-man role. CBS Sports noted that his 22 points off the bench “highlight his potential as a microwave scorer.”
If the ‘Korean Curry’ keeps shooting like this, San Antonio may have found its next international gem. For fans, following his preseason progress is essential. The Asian basketball narrative is shifting—and Lee is leading the charge.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How did Hyunjung Lee perform against Cooper Peterson in the Spurs-Jazz Summer League game?
- A: Hyunjung Lee scored a game-high 22 points off the bench, hitting 4-of-6 three-pointers (66.7% FG), while No. 2 pick Cooper Peterson managed just 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting (26.7% FG) and a -12 plus/minus. Lee’s off-ball movement and quick release forced Peterson into defensive lapses and frustration fouls.
- Q: Why is Hyunjung Lee called the ‘Korean Curry’?
- A: Lee earned the nickname after setting a FIBA single-game record with nine three-pointers against China in a World Cup qualifier last November. His deep shooting range, quick release, and ability to score off screens draw comparisons to Stephen Curry.
- Q: What does Hyunjung Lee’s performance mean for Asian basketball prospects?
- A: Lee’s 22-point outing, especially outshining a top-2 pick, signals a potential shift in how Asian shooters are scouted. His elite basketball IQ and off-ball movement challenge stereotypes, potentially opening more NBA opportunities for Asian players beyond traditional roles.
Extended Reading
This report draws on coverage from ChosunBiz, HoopsHype, and CBS Sports. For further analysis, see the original HoopsHype piece: “In South Korea, however, he is basically Steph Curry” (July 9, 2026) and the ChosunBiz game summary: “Lee Hyun-jung outshoots No.2 pick Peterson” (July 16, 2026).