Las Vegas Summer League semifinals field set after final pool play
The field for the NBA Summer League Semifinals in Las Vegas is now complete following the conclusion of pool play. The Los Angeles Lakers emerged as the only undefeated team, securing their spot with a 4-0 record. They will be joined by the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and Golden State Warriors in the next round of competition.
Thursday marked the final day of pool play, with numerous teams vying for the remaining semifinal berths. Point differential became a crucial tiebreaker for many teams that finished with similar records.
Lakers and Grizzlies Secure Early Spots
The Lakers cemented their place in the semifinals by defeating the Chicago Bulls. Chris Mañon and Cameron Carr were among six Lakers players who reached double figures in scoring. Carr, the No. 24 pick, expressed his motivation, stating, “I think I was overlooked, so I got a lot to prove.” He added that the team is improving with each game.
The Memphis Grizzlies, who started the day with a 2-1 record, needed a decisive win to advance. They delivered a strong performance against the Atlanta Hawks, with Cam Boozer leading all scorers and Cedric Coward also contributing significantly. Coward praised Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick, calling him a “special, special player.” This victory boosted Memphis’s point differential, moving them up in the standings.
The Hawks, despite a 3-1 record, did not secure a semifinal spot due to their point differential, placing them in eighth position.
Rockets and Warriors Claim Final Berths
Two semifinal spots remained, contested by several teams that finished with a 3-1 record. The Houston Rockets secured one of these spots with a win over the Brooklyn Nets. Bruce Thornton and Tristen Newton were key contributors for Houston. This win placed the Rockets among nine teams that finished 3-1, with their point differential being a deciding factor for their advancement.
The Golden State Warriors claimed the last semifinal position by defeating the New York Knicks. LJ Cryer led the Warriors in scoring, and Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 overall pick, made a crucial defensive play at the end of the game. Lendeborg’s performance in the Summer League has been notable, particularly his shooting and ability to play through contact.
The semifinal matchups are now set. The Grizzlies will face the Rockets, followed by the Lakers against the Warriors. Both games are scheduled for Saturday.
Other Summer League Action
Several other teams concluded their Summer League campaigns. The Toronto Raptors, despite a win, did not advance to the semifinals due to a tiebreaker. Allen Graves, the No. 19 overall pick, led Toronto in their final game. Graves has been noted for his defensive play, rebounding, and three-point shooting, making him a potential steal for the Raptors.
The Denver Nuggets also fell short of the semifinals after a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Dallas Mavericks secured a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, with John Poulakidis leading the scoring for Dallas. Sergio de Larrea, the No. 25 pick, contributed significantly with rebounds and assists for the Mavericks. However, Ryan Nembhard of the Mavericks had a challenging Summer League, with his shooting percentages being lower than expected. His roster spot for the upcoming season is not considered guaranteed.
Among other players, Egor Dëmin of the Brooklyn Nets showed strong performances, averaging approximately 24 points across four games. His ability to score inside the arc improved this summer compared to the previous year. Conversely, Noa Essengue of the Chicago Bulls, a first-round pick from last year, struggled in the Summer League after missing the previous season due to shoulder surgery. His coach, Thiago Splitter, expressed a desire for more from the second-year player.
Tre Johnson and Will Riley of the Washington Wizards also impressed, with Johnson showcasing his range and overall abilities, and Riley demonstrating versatility as a wing player. Khaman Maluach of the Phoenix Suns was noted for his physical presence and strong play, particularly his rebounding and three-point shooting.
Friday features a six-game slate of consolation matchups, including a potential game between Caleb Wilson and Meleek Thomas as the Bulls face the Cavs.
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Source: nba.com
