{"id":808718,"date":"2026-07-18T18:44:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T18:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/808718\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T18:44:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T18:44:25","slug":"starting-5-saturdays-summer-semifinals-just-hours-away","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/808718\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: Saturday\u2019s summer semifinals just hours away"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leaving Las Vegas with a bang.LA\u2019s Sean Pedulla backed up No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler by netting the first 9 points of overtime, in the Clips\u2019 closing game.<\/p>\n

Read on to get set for NBA Summer League\u2019s two Semifinals showdowns tonight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

July 18, 2026<\/p>\n

Semifinals Preview: Boozer\u2019s Grizz look to out-shoot Rockets, Lakers go for 5-0 vs. Warriors<\/p>\n

Five For Five: One storyline to watch in each of Saturday\u2019s consolation games<\/p>\n

Scouting Summer League: The Athletic\u2019s on-site evaluations of Vegas\u2019 top rookies<\/p>\n

Friday\u2019s Finales: No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler and Vegas\u2019 leading scorer Meleek Thomas ended strong summers<\/p>\n

2026 Nike Peach Jam: 43-point history and a coaching clash between Jamal Crawford & Bradley Beal<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

Semifinals Saturday in Las Vegas\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Saturday<\/p>\n

The 2026 NBA Summer League Semifinals tip tonight, as part of a 7-game slate, with the No. 3 seed Rockets facing Cameron Boozer\u2019s No. 2 Grizzlies (6:30 ET, Prime<\/a>) and the No. 4 Warriors taking on the undefeated No. 1 Lakers (8:30 ET, Prime<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Caitlin Clark\u2019s scorching Friday night (45 pts, 10 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk) was historically great, achieving the first-ever 40+ point, 10+ assist game<\/a> in WNBA history.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

1. SUMMER SEMIS: GRIZZ, ROCKETS CRASH PARTY, 4-0 LAKERS EYE PERFECTION
\n\"Cameron<\/p>\n

NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Summer\u2019s still heating up for the four teams left standing to battle for the NBA Summer League\u2019s ultimate prize.<\/p>\n

Three of those four surged their way into playoff position on the final day of group play, confirming anything is possible, in Las Vegas and in this weekend\u2019s Semifinals. Here\u2019s what to look for tonight:<\/p>\n

No. 3 Rockets vs. No. 2 Grizzlies (6:30 ET Prime): An all-Western Conference Vegas Semifinals tips off with the highest remaining 2026 Draft pick taking on a West contender\u2019s next wave of talent.<\/p>\n

Rookie-Returner Recipe: No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer and 2025 All-Rookie Team selection Cedric Coward lead the Grizzlies (3-1) against No. 31 pick Bruce Thornton, two-way player Tristen Newton and the Rockets (3-1)
\nOdds Stacked Against: Facing an undefeated Hawks team that would have locked up a top-2 seed with a W, the Grizz needed to secure their third win Thursday \u2013 by at least 12 points \u2013\u00a0 to have a shot at a playoff spot
\nWhat they got was one of the most dominant wins (+32, 50.0 FG%) of the Vegas tournament, leaping into Atlanta\u2019s spot in the Semifinals
\nLights Out: Memphis shooting 31-of-62 Thursday wasn\u2019t an outlier; the team ranks top-5 in shooting (44.7 FG%) in Vegas, and 4th in points per game (96.8)<\/p>\n

Houston\u2019s 17-point, playoff-crashing win Thursday ensured the team claimed all three of its Vegas wins by double-digits, slotting in behind Memphis with a +41 point differential.<\/p>\n

More Than Firepower: Houston has paired stingy defense with its high-flying offense this summer, ripping 12.5 steals per game
\nSummer Standout: The first pick of June\u2019s second round, Thornton has shined for Houston, logging 21.3 ppg while dialing long distance at a 44.0 3P%
\n\u201cIt\u2019s fun, man,\u201d Thornton said of this Rockets group. \u201cEverybody\u2019s willing to pass the ball, everybody\u2019s willing to win at a high level.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Noah Graham\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

In the other Semifinal showdown, both L.A.\u2019s strong core of returners and the Bay\u2019s championship-tested style of play are feeling a boost from first-round Draft picks.<\/p>\n

No. 4 Warriors vs. No. 1 Lakers (8:30 ET, Prime): L.A.\u2019s No. 24 pick Cameron Carr and Golden State\u2019s No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg have been making summer impacts since their dueling 19-point faceoff<\/a> on Day 1 of the Cali Classic.<\/p>\n

Keys To The Carr: The undefeated Lakers run into Saturday\u2019s Semis behind Carr\u2019s 18.3 ppg in Las Vegas, as well as a +13 plus\/minus
\nSpotlight Support: Returners Arthur Kaluma (20.3 ppg) and Adou Thiero (14.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg) have been able to shoulder the scoring load when needed, allowing Carr to get up to speed
\nClicking On Offense: Averaging the most team assists (22.8 apg) and best shooting percentage (50.4 FG%) in Vegas this summer adds up to 97.8 points per game for the Lakers (3rd-best) and a circuit-high +70 total point differential
\nWhat\u2019s impressed Carr most this summer? \u201cOur connected abilities, when we get on the court. Everybody\u2019s in their own little world but it all mashes together very, very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

True to the Warriors\u2019 way, the Summer Dubs rank 4th in 3s per game (11.5), shooting 35.9% (4th) from long range for a +25 total point differential.<\/p>\n

High Bar: Lendeborg\u2019s summer has been special since his perfect shooting night (6-6 FG, 4-4 3FG) against these Lakers in the Cali Classic, now averaging 13.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 4.8 apg in his four Vegas outings<\/p>\n

2. FIVE REASONS TO WATCH SATURDAY\u2019S FIVE CONSOLATION GAMES<\/p>\n

\"Hugo<\/p>\n

Surrounding Saturday\u2019s Semifinal action, 10 more teams wrap up their summer seasons on the consolation slate.<\/p>\n

As players get their last chance to showcase their skills, here\u2019s something to look out for in each matchup.<\/p>\n

Celtics vs. Magic (4:30 ET, Prime): A pair of returning rotation players with matching offensive outputs lead Boston and Orlando into this summer finale in Hugo Gonz\u00e1lez (18.3 ppg) and Jase Richardson (18.3 ppg)<\/p>\n

Summer Triple-Double?: Gonz\u00e1lez was two assists shy of a triple-double in his 2026 summer debut, and enters averaging 8.0 rpg and 5.7 apg in Vegas<\/p>\n

Sixers vs. Bucks (5 ET, ESPN): One of the biggest bright spots in Las Vegas this month has been No. 22 pick Labaron Philon (18.5 ppg) showing what he can bring to Philly\u2019s second unit this season.<\/p>\n

First-Round Foes: Philon now heads toward a high-profile backcourt battle with another name on the rise in the desert: Milwaukee\u2019s No. 10 pick Brayden Burries (22.3 ppg)<\/p>\n

Hawks vs. Wizards (7 ET, ESPN): Top-pick AJ Dybantsa\u2019s summer season is reportedly complete<\/a> after contributing 25.0 ppg in Washington\u2019s (2-2) two wins.<\/p>\n

Atlanta\u2019s Anchor: It\u2019s been a week since we last saw No. 8 pick Kingston Flemings, after he helped the Hawks get out to a 2-0 start in Vegas. He\u2019s on track to add to his summer assists mark (6.5 apg) tonight<\/p>\n

Pacers vs. Pelicans (9 ET, ESPN): New Orleans (2-2) hasn\u2019t played since Wednesday, and bucket-getter Kobe Bufkin last suited up Sunday. Averaging over 20 points in his third Summer League season after a 30-piece on July 9, what lasting impression will Bufkin (21.3 ppg) leave?<\/p>\n

Spurs vs. Suns (10:30 ET, Prime): Before the group stage\u2019s wild final day of movement, San Antonio and Phoenix, both 3-1, were in line to make the Semifinals.<\/p>\n

Bigs Battle: Suns 2025 top-10 Draft pick Khaman Maluach (19.5 ppg, 12.8 rpg) has been one of the top standout sophomores this summer, and he\u2019ll finish with a paint challenge from No. 26 pick Tarris Reed Jr., who\u2019s shined for the Spurs<\/p>\n

3. SUMMER SCOUTING: TAKEAWAYS FROM VEGAS\u2019 TOP ROOKIES
\n\"AJ<\/p>\n

Ryan Stetz\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

AJ Dybantsa is hyping up his teammates<\/a> from the sidelines.<\/p>\n

Caleb Wilson is off to next-steps in Chicago<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With four teams left vying for the 2026 NBA Summer League title, many of the future\u2019s biggest names have completed their summer showcases.<\/p>\n

The Athletic\u2019s Sam Vecenie was on-site in Las Vegas, evaluating the top Draft picks. Here\u2019s his summer scouting report<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 2026 NBA Draft class built significant enthusiasm throughout the last year, and it did not disappoint \u2026 All of the top-four prospects played absurdly well, and many selected beyond that top group also impressed.<\/p>\n

No. 1 AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
\u201cI don\u2019t know that any player looked more like what we expected than Dybantsa did. He looked like he has star wing upside. He drew fouls. And he looked like the dynamic athlete we\u2019ve come to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

No. 2 Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz
\u201cPeterson displayed everything you\u2019d look for in a potential superstar on this level of competition. The shotmaking ability was out of control, and he had some positive moments on defense as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

No. 3 Cam Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies
\u201cHe drilled shots from distance and provided versatile reps out of ball screens, as a roller, as a passing hub and occasionally in the post. There\u2019s a lot to be excited about due to how many ways he can structurally harm the defense.\u201d<\/p>\n

No. 4 Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls
\u201cI\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve seen a player more resoundingly come out and showcase such drastic improvement in a single skill level. I\u2019m not saying that Wilson will make 40 percent of his 3s this season with the Bulls, but I feel more confident in Wilson\u2019s jumper now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a> on each player and a handful of others.<\/p>\n

4. FRIDAY FINALES: WAGLER, THOMAS WOW IN CONSOLATION GAMES<\/p>\n

\"Sean<\/p>\n

Summer League send-offs began Friday night, with 12 teams completing their time in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

The lone 2026 top-10 pick to take the floor Friday night was LA\u2019s No. 5 pick, Keaton Wagler.<\/p>\n

Clippers 128, Wolves 120 (OT): Minnesota (2-3) battled back from a 26-point deficit with a 40-point 4th to force overtime, but the Clips\u2019 (3-2) duo of Wagler (26 pts) and Sean Pedulla (24 pts, 5 reb, 11 ast, 5 3s) took back control late while leading all scorers. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Sending A Message: Coming back from the locker room after being shaken up on a fall, Wagler hit two clutch free throws in the final 30 seconds before his attempt to win it at the buzzer rimmed out
\n\u201cI wanted to come back,\u201d Wagler said. \u201cLast game here, wanted to end it with a win. And then, overtime, my boy took over.\u201d
\nCatching Fire: Pedulla couldn\u2019t miss<\/a>\u00a0as he scored the first 9 points of OT, outscoring the Wolves by himself in the frame, 9-5
\nRecord-Breaking: The two teams\u2019 76 combined points across the 4th quarter and OT pushed this game to set the record for most points in a Vegas Summer League game (248), with LA\u2019s 128 the all-time high score for any summer squad<\/p>\n

\"Meleek<\/p>\n

Cavaliers 100, Bulls 91: Without Caleb Wilson, Donovan Atwell (22 pts, 6 3s) helped the Bulls cut a 15-point gap to 4 in the 4th, but NBA Summer League leading scorer Meleek Thomas\u2019 (24 pts) and-1 capped an 8-2 response to pull ahead for good. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Top Bucket: Thomas, the No. 34 pick, finished Summer League averaging a Vegas-best 27.3 points per game across four games, never scoring below 20 points. Fellow rookie Razorback Darius Acuff Jr. congratulated him postgame<\/a>
\n\u201cMy game\u2019s gonna speak for itself the whole time,\u201d Thomas said postgame<\/a>\u2026 \u201c[I\u2019ll] forever be one of the best, if not the best, on the floor that I play on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Jaylen<\/p>\n

Kings 92, Hornets 90: Acuff didn\u2019t suit up for Sacramento, but Charlotte\u2019s lottery pick, Hannes Steinbach (22 pts, 11 reb), helped the Hornets erase a 15-point gap and take a 6-point lead in the 4th.<\/p>\n

The Kings (2-3) and No. 45 pick Emanuel Sharp (16 pts, 4 3s) answered back with a 11-6 closeout to win, dropping last summer\u2019s champs to 1-4 this year. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

First-Rounders Roundup: Charlotte\u2019s No. 18 pick, Christian Anderson (18 pts, 8 ast) had his highest-scoring night of Summer League, out-pacing the Kings\u2019 No. 29 pick, Alex Karaban (14 pts)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Heat 101, Pistons 87: No. 17 pick Ebuka Okorie\u2019s game-high 29 points helped Detroit build a lead as large as 15, but Miami held them to just 35 2nd-half points, storming back to tie it midway through the 4th, and then getting away with a 13-2 burst.<\/p>\n

Miami\u2019s undrafted two-way player Tre Donaldson (20 pts, 8 reb, 10 ast) missed a triple-double by two boards. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Mavericks 110, Knicks 88: Dallas caught fire from deep (46.2% 3FG) and pulled away with a 22-2 finish to the 3rd, as five Mavs scored 15 or more points, led by Darin Green Jr.\u2019s 21 on six 3s. New York\u2019s Pac\u00f4me Dadiet finished with a team-high 19 points. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Jazz 83, Blazers 79: Flynn Cameron scored 7 of his 12 points in the final two minutes as Portland cut Utah\u2019s 15-point lead to just 1, But Justin Harmon\u2019s (21 pts, 6 reb) clutch free throws helped the Jazz (2-3) escape despite being without Darryn Peterson. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

5. 2026 NIKE EYBL PEACH JAM: NBA COACHES & A 43-POINT RECORD
\n\"Peach<\/p>\n

Michael Gonzales\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Now, who\u2019s next?<\/p>\n

As the 2026 Nike EYBL Peach Jam enters its single-elimination Playoff bracket this morning, catch up on the tournament\u2019s biggest end-of-week moments from the nation\u2019s top high school prospects.<\/p>\n

Check out the action from one of the premiere events on the amateur hoops circuit \u2013\u00a0once the proving grounds for names like AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Cooper Flag, and so many more \u2013\u00a0on the NBA App, NBA.com, NBA YouTube and NBA TV.<\/p>\n

New Peach Jam High: Cayden Daughtry\u2019s 43-point explosion<\/a> Thursday broke Peach Jam\u2019s single-game scoring record, while pushing his Florida Rebels team through 3 OTs before a last-second loss to the NY Rens
\n\u201cThat kid can play,\u201d Magic guard Desmond Bane, on hand for his program, Baneville Academy, said of Daughtry<\/a>. \u201cI like the way he carries himself. He\u2019s a hell of a player.\u201d
\nAt It Again: Daughtry followed up his record-breaker with 35 more points<\/a> Friday to secure Florida Rebels\u2019 fourth win of pool play and the top spot in Pool A
\nAlso on Friday, Mohan Elite got a go-ahead bucket<\/a> from Nathaniel Muriithi in final seconds to spoil Beckham Black\u2019s (little brother of Bane\u2019s Magic teammate Anthony Black) 19-point performance<\/a>, in a battle of Pool C\u2019s top-2 teams
\nClipboard Clout: Earlier, in the 16U division, NBA greats Bradley Beal and Jamal Crawford faced off in a coaches duel<\/a>, leading their teams, Brad Beal Elite and NW Rotary, respectively. Crawford coaches his son, JJ<\/a>
\nBut it was Brady Pettigrew who won it for Brad Beal Elite at the buzzer<\/a>: \u201cI didn\u2019t know how I was going to get it done, I just knew I was going to get it done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quarterfinal action in the 17U bracket tips off this morning, starting with Daughtry\u2019s Rebels facing ESPN\u2019s top-ranked recruit AJ Williams of Chris Paul\u2019s Team CP3 (9 a.m. ET). This morning\u2019s winners battle tonight in the Semifinals to decide Sunday\u2019s Championship participants. | Full Details<\/a><\/p>\n

Catch it all on the NBA App, NBA.com, NBA YouTube and NBA TV.<\/p>\n