{"id":801394,"date":"2026-07-14T13:51:52","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T13:51:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/801394\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T13:51:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T13:51:52","slug":"starting-5-meleek-thomas-shines-caleb-wilson-soars-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/801394\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: Meleek Thomas shines, Caleb Wilson soars and more"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

Seth Lundy’s game-saving block seals Raptors win, Meleek Thomas goes off for 35 in Cavs victory and more from Summer League action on July 13.<\/p>\n

Caleb Wilson\u2026 ARE YOU KIDDING?!<\/p>\n

After a dazzling Vegas debut, the No. 4 pick followed it up with a Dunk of the Summer candidate.<\/p>\n

\"Caleb<\/p>\n

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

Monday Moments: Meleek Thomas pops off again, Jazz hold off high-flying Wilson<\/p>\n

More Standouts: Mavs overcome Boozer, Maluach duels Burries, Hawks move to 3-0<\/p>\n

Roundup: Kayil lifts Knicks, Raptors win with final stand, Hansen & Youngblood lead Blazers<\/p>\n

Dybantsa vs. Wilson: Breaking down the traits fueling two of Summer League\u2019s hottest starts<\/p>\n

Sixers Spark: Shaun Powell on how Sixers\u2019 Labaron Philon Jr. is turning heads in Vegas<\/p>\n

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

\"Today's<\/p>\n

Six games tip off today in Vegas, including another potential matchup of top-four Draft picks as AJ Dybantsa (No. 1 pick) leads the Wizards vs. Caleb Wilson (No. 4) and the Bulls (8 ET, Prime<\/a>).<\/p>\n

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is scheduled to lead a Board of Governors meeting tonight in Las Vegas, starting at 10 pm ET<\/a>. Catch it live on the NBA App, NBA.com, NBA X and NBA Facebook.<\/p>\n

1. MONDAY MOMENTS: THOMAS ERUPTS, JAZZ WITHSTAND WILSON<\/p>\n

\"Meleek<\/p>\n

Outside Summer League yesterday, the 100-degree temps were baking. Inside, Cavs rookie Meleek Thomas was cooking<\/p>\n

Cavaliers 90, Heat 73: One day after dropping 30, Thomas went even higher, hanging 35 in an offensive clinic<\/a> to power Cleveland past Tre Donaldson (22 pts) and Miami. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cMy Goodness!\u201d Thomas, a 2nd-round pick out of Arkansas, drilled five treys and showed off his wiggle with this slick spinning jumper<\/a> \u2013 giving him 33 through three quarters
\nGoodnight: Cleveland opened the 4th with an 8-0 run, capped by a layup from Thomas, to take a double-digit lead that it never relinquished
\nThomas Takeover: The rook is now averaging a Vegas-best 28.3 ppg through three outings, while shooting 45.8% from 3 and adding 4.3 assists per game
\nHis Favorite Stat? The Cavs picking up their first win
\n\u201cWe went 0-2 the first games, I\u2019m big about winning, so I wanted to solidify the win,\u201d said Thomas. \u201cAnd I want to keep solidifying wins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Jonas<\/p>\n

While Thomas delivered the day\u2019s biggest scoring outburst, Caleb Wilson delivered its most jaw-dropping moment \u2013 even in defeat.<\/p>\n

Jazz 80, Bulls 63: As part of a personal 7-2 run, Wilson (19 pts, 8 reb, 2 stl, 5 blk) threw down an absurd jam<\/a>, skying over a defender and flushing it from above the rim to send the building \u2013 and the internet \u2013 wild.<\/p>\n

But the late spark wasn\u2019t enough as Jonas Aidoo (17 pts, 11 reb, 3 blk) and the Jazz held on for the win, despite No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson getting the night off. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Above The Rim: Wilson \u2013 who scored 35 in his Summer League debut \u2013 added a string of high-flying blocks<\/a>, before throwing down another strong two-handed slam<\/a>
\nThen: \u201cThe play of the 2026 Summer League!\u201d \u2013 Wilson\u2019s dunk had ESPN\u2019s broadcast team in disbelief, and left Peterson speechless<\/a>
\nJazz Close: The slam sparked a 12-point 4th quarter for Wilson, but Aidoo answered with 10 of his own to keep Chicago at bay<\/p>\n

2. MORE STANDOUTS: MAVS & SUNS OVERCOME TOP PICKS; HAWKS WIN AGAIN<\/p>\n

\"Kaodirichi<\/p>\n

Mavericks 96, Grizzlies 88: Cameron Boozer was a force (game-high 21 pts, 8 reb, 3 stl<\/a>), but the Mavs got the win behind a complete team performance, with Darin Green Jr. (18 pts, 5 reb, 5 3s) leading four 16+ point scorers. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Big Moments: Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu (16 pts, 2 blk, 7-8 FG) \u2013 an NBA hopeful from Nigeria who hadn\u2019t picked up a basketball until he moved to the U.S. at age 13 \u2013 came up big on both ends with a late putback dunk<\/a> and key rejection
\n\u201cEvery day I don\u2019t even have time to reflect on the past, I just keep going,\u201d said Akobundu-Ehiogu, who played in Spain last year. \u201cI just keep going and motivate myself every day.\u201d
\nBoozer Buckets: The No. 3 pick showcased his polished offensive game again, hitting a pair of catch-and-shoot 3s, while finishing some tough interior takes \u2013 including this spinning and-one<\/a>
\n\u201cHe\u2019s a very solid player,\u201d said Akobundu-Ehiogu of Boozer. \u201cIt\u2019s very hard to stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Khaman<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a showdown of No. 10 picks went to the veteran.<\/p>\n

Suns 95, Bucks 88: Khaman Maluach, Phoenix\u2019s No. 10 pick in 2025, was dominant (21 pts, 10 reb, 4 blk), leading the Suns past the Bucks, despite another strong showing from Brayden Burries (23 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast, 4 stl). | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Ten & Ten: Burries, this year\u2019s No. 10 pick, has now scored 23+ points in back-to-back games, while Maluach has posted consecutive 15+ point double-doubles
\n\u201cIt\u2019s a process,\u201d said Maluach on his growth. \u201cMy time eventually will come.\u201d
\nMore Suns Shine: Koa Peat, this year\u2019s No. 30 overall pick, added 19 points and 6 boards for Phoenix, while Koby Brea (19 pts) splashed six 3s<\/p>\n

Hawks 102, Celtics 90: With No. 7 pick Kingston Flemings getting the day off, Kobe Johnson stepped up for Atlanta, dropping 30 points<\/a> off the bench, while rookie Henri Veesaar added 20 to lead the Hawks past the Celtics, improving to 3-0. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Rising Up: Johnson, who averaged 15.7 ppg in the G League last year, shot 11-of-18, while adding 7 boards, 4 dimes and 2 steals
\nC\u2019s Rookie: Boston\u2019s No. 27 pick, Chris Cenac Jr., turned in another strong performance inside (16 pts, 5 reb, 4 blk)
\nAt The Top: Atlanta is the only 3-0 team entering Tuesday | Full 2026 NBA Summer League Standings<\/a><\/p>\n

3. ROUNDUP: KAYIL LEADS KNICKS, RAPTORS & BLAZERS WIN<\/p>\n

\"[<\/p>\n

Knicks 86, Pistons 75: On Sunday, Chaz Lanier hit seven 3s for Detroit. Less than 24 hours later, he drilled eight<\/a> en route to a game-high 24 points. But it still wasn\u2019t enough, as rookie Jack Kayil (19 pts, 3 stl) led New York to its first Summer League win. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

New Knick: Kayil, the No. 39 pick out of Germany, put the finishing touches on the win with a two-handed slam<\/a> late in the 4th, while Dillon Jones added 18 points for New York
\nLights Out Lanier: Lanier finished 8-of-12 from deep, and is now hitting 5.3 triples per game at a 53.3% clip in Vegas<\/p>\n

Raptors 94, Pacers 93: After Jaden Bradley\u2019s free throw gave Toronto a one-point lead in the final minute, three-year vet Seth Lundy (22 pts) made the play of the game \u2013 rejecting a shot at the rim<\/a> with two ticks left to seal a thrilling win over Rienk Mast (23 pts, 10 reb) and Indiana. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Blazers 111, Wolves 84: Yang Hansen (18 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast, 1 hammer<\/a>) was getting crafty inside<\/a>, while Chris Youngblood poured in 20, leading Portland to a near wire-to-wire win over Donovan Williams (21 pts) and the Wolves. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

4. TONIGHT: DYBANTSA LEADS WIZARDS VS. WILSON & BULLS<\/p>\n

\"AJ<\/p>\n

Length. Burst. Buckets.<\/p>\n

No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson have showcased all three in their first Summer League games.<\/p>\n

Tonight (8 ET, Prime), the two red-hot rookies go head-to-head as the Wizards face the Bulls.<\/p>\n

Wilson (27 ppg) and Dybantsa (25) rank 2nd and 5th, respectively, in Summer League points per game. But their scoring is only part of what makes them so dynamic.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s break down a few of the traits that have made both wings must-watch in Vegas.<\/p>\n

AJ Attacking: Dybantsa was the first freshman since his Wizards teammate, Trae Young (2017-18), to win the Division I NCAA scoring title. Additionally, Dybantsa was the only player among the nation\u2019s top seven scorers in 2025-26 to shoot 50% or better from the field.<\/p>\n

A Big Reason Why? His ability to drive and finish through, around or over interior defenders \u2013 something he\u2019s already shown in Summer League<\/p>\n

\"AJ<\/p>\n

With a full head of steam against Utah, Dybantsa soars over the help defense. One game later, he muscles his way into the paint and uses his length to finish around a swarm of Kings.<\/p>\n

Dybantsa stands 6-foot-9 and boasts a 7-foot wingspan. He uses that length defensively, too, as he\u2019s averaged 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.<\/p>\n

\"AJ<\/p>\n

Dybantsa gets a piece of the 3-point attempt, then races the other way, tracks down an over-the-shoulder outlet pass and finishes at the rim.<\/p>\n

Complete Caleb: Wilson also boasts a 7-foot wingspan, with athleticism that rivals Dybantsa\u2019s. That blend makes him a nuisance defensively, as opponents are never out of reach \u2013 including on the chase-down block below.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the same defensive playmaking that helped him lead UNC in both steals and blocks per game last season.<\/p>\n

\"AJ<\/p>\n

Through two Summer League games, Wilson has racked up 4 steals and a Vegas-best 8 blocks.<\/p>\n

Young Growth: Wilson also led UNC in scoring last year (19.8 ppg), but he took just 1.1 3PA per game. Through two games in Vegas, he\u2019s gone 10-of-19 (52.6%) from deep.<\/p>\n

The early returns are the product of an offseason spent in the gym, said Wilson.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably like 2,500 to 3,000 shots a day for about 2 1\/2 months,\u201d Wilson told CHGO Sports<\/a> at practice Sunday when asked about his training regimen. \u201cYou get more confidence because you\u2019re putting in the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Caleb<\/p>\n

After a sizzling debut (35 pts, 7-11 3pm), Wilson finished with a game-high 19 points last night, going 8-of-17 from the floor with three triples, including this clean hesi, stepback.<\/p>\n

Now, he\u2019ll try to keep that shooting touch rolling against Dybantsa and the unbeaten Wizards tonight (8 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

5. POWELL: PHILLY\u2019S PHILON JR. TURNING HEADS IN VEGAS<\/p>\n

\"Labaron<\/p>\n

Another rookie is raising eyebrows in Las Vegas, and he\u2019s not a top-five pick. In fact, he wasn\u2019t even a Lottery selection.<\/p>\n

Labaron Philon Jr., the No. 22 overall pick, is posting 21 points and 6.5 assists through two Summer League games \u2013 and doing it in style<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And while Philon Jr. expects \u201ca lot of cooking<\/a>\u201d from himself, his play now has others believing Philly may have uncovered another Draft gem, writes NBA.com\u2019s Shaun Powell:<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough two games in Vegas, Philon is separating himself from the collection of players, as is the goal for first-rounders in these contests. He had solid stretches Saturday against the Indiana Pacers when he was the best player on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd in his Summer League debut, against the Pistons on Thursday, he was just as good. In both games, he dropped game-deciding baskets down the stretch\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cTJ DiLeo, who\u2019s coaching the Summer League for the Sixers, says simply: \u2018He\u2019s a gamer.\u2019\u201d | Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Darius<\/p>\n

Philon Jr. is set to return to action today as the Sixers open Tuesday\u2019s six-game slate against the Rockets (4 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

Then two more electrifying guards \u2013 and top-10 picks \u2013 could square off as Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6) and the Nets meet Darius Acuff Jr. (No. 7) and the Kings (6 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

At 7 ET (ESPN), No. 3 pick Cam Boozer leads the Grizzlies against No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg and the Warriors, before the night wraps up with Bulls-Wizards (8 ET, Prime), Nuggets-Thunder (9 ET, ESPN) and Clippers-Lakers (10 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

Want to share\u00a0Starting\u00a05\u00a0with a friend?\u00a0Send them this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shape the Starting 5.\u00a0\u00a0Email us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have the NBA App? Download it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Seth Lundy’s game-saving block seals Raptors win, Meleek Thomas goes off for 35 in Cavs victory and more…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":801395,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[434],"tags":[49,48,459,82,10952],"class_list":["post-801394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nba","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-nba","tag-sports","tag-starting-5"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/801394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=801394"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/801394\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/801395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=801394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=801394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=801394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}