Kai Sotto was again reduced into a benchwarmer as the Orlando Magic suffered an 80-82 overtime setback to the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada Thursday morning (Manila time).

Sotto's benching was such a heartbreaking development to his Filipino fans, who are already getting impatient after he was also benched in their first two games against the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers.

Among those who personal rallied behind Sotto despite getting benched were TNT Tropang Giga coach Jojo Lastimosa, former Alaska import Sean Chambers and his father, Ervin Sotto.

Lastimosa hooked up with Chambers in Las Vegas as he scouts their potential imports for the coming East Asia Super League season while Ervin has been with the 7-foot-3 son since he got an invite to play in the NBA Summer League.

"Here supporting Kai Sotto," Chambers said in a social media post.

Sideliners say that Sotto will finally step on the court when the Magic face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday at 9 a.m.

Against the Blazers, Sotto will be tested as he faces big man Ibou Badji of Senegal.

Badji, who plays for the Blazers' G League team, Rip City Remix, scored two points in the team's 97-93 win over the Charlotte Hornets last Wednesday.    Turn to page D22

"Always," Sotto said when asked about his preparedness and willingness to become the first full-blooded Filipino to see action in the NBA.

With Sotto clapping and exchanging high fives with his teammates, Jaylen Martin stole the win for the Knicks in the extra period as he nailed a floater at the buzzer to seal the victory.

Charlie Brown, Jr., who plays for the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G League, led the Knicks with 19 points with QJ Peterson dropping 16 points off the bench.

Martin scored 12 points as they posted a 1-2 win-loss record.

Jett Howard, the Magic's 11th pick in this year's NBA Draft, led the team with 22 points.

"Always," Sotto said when asked about his preparedness and willingness to become the first full-blooded Filipino to see action in the NBA.

With Sotto clapping and exchanging high fives with his teammates on the bench, Jaylen Martin stole the show for the Knicks in the extra period as he nailed a floater at the buzzer to seal the victory.

Charlie Brown, Jr., who plays for the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G League, led the Knicks with 19 points with QJ Peterson dropping 16 points off the bench.

Martin scored 12 points as the Knicks posted a 1-2 win-loss record.

Jett Howard, the Magic's 11th pick in this year's NBA Draft, led the team with 22 points.