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Summer League action from Las Vegas continues Thursday and we’re finally getting down to the business end of the showcase. Four teams make the semifinal round in the 2023 Summer League, and two teams in action Thursday have a chance to clinch their spot with wins. The Cavaliers and Rockets have not lost in Vegas, and can clinch their spots if they maintain perfection.
Elsewhere, Brandon Miller will hope to build on his best showing of the summer when the Hornets face the Pelicans. We’ll see if Scoot Henderson plays through his shoulder injury when the Trail Blazers meet the Magic.
Here we’ll be recapping all the games for Thursday, July 13.
NBA Summer League recaps
Cavaliers 87, Bulls 83
It was looking dicey for the Cavaliers for a good portion of this game, but ultimately the team prevailed and will be headed to the semifinal round with a perfect record. Four Cavs players hit double digits scoring, with Isaiah Mobley and Craig Potter combining for 40 points. For the Bulls, Javon Freeman-Liberty had another strong game with 18 points.
Hawks 99, 76ers 98
Atlanta had six players reach double figures, led by Seth Lundy’s 16 points. The rookie guard also added eight rebounds and four assists. For the 76ers, Jaden Springer and Terquavion Smith both look like they could be immediate contributors. The duo combined for 49 points in the game.
Nets 99, Raptors 94 (target score)
This game went to “overtime” and that likely doesn’t help the Nets much in tiebreaker scenarios. Jalen Wilson led the Nets with 17 points, while Kennedy Chandler struggled on his way to 15 points. For the Raptors, Ron Harper Jr. led the way with 19 points. Rookie Gradey Dick did not participate in this contest.
Heat 91, Bucks 72
This was all Miami all the way. Jamal Cain and Orlando Robinson, two players who might have decent roles on the Heat this year depending on how the roster shakes out, combined for 49 points. Lindell Wigginton, who could be competing for a roster spot in Milwaukee, put up 15 points on 4-5 shooting.
Rockets 118, Warriors 101
This was the Cam Whitmore show for Houston, who clinches a semifinal spot with the win over Golden State. Whitmore had 26 points on 11-21 shooting with a whopping eight steals in the contest. Lester Quinones struggled for the Warriors, while Brandin Podziemski had 10 points and six assists.
Pelicans 89, Hornets 83
Brandon Miller sat this one out and is likely done for the rest of Summer League. Bryce McGowens and James Bouknight stepped up in his place, combining for 47 points in the loss. Jordan Hawkins had a rough game again, shooting 2-13 from the floor. Dereon Seabron had 20 points for New Orleans in the win.
Trail Blazers 88, Magic 71
Michael Devoe led the Blazers with 18 points, while Jabari Walker tallied a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. For the Magic, Dexter Dennis had 16 points. Scoot Henderson was once again out for this game and it looks like his Summer League is officially going to be over.
Kings 93, Timberwolves 80
Leonard Miller notched a double-double in this game and has been a strong presence for Minnesota. He should get rotation minutes in the regular season. Josh Minott also had a decent game, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds for the Timberwolves. On the Sacramento side, five players hit double figures with Kessler Edwards leading the way. He finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the win. Jordan Ford added 17 points.