On July 11, the NBA Salt Lake City Summer League will see the Oklahoma City Thunder face off against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Thunder have a record of one win and one loss so far in the summer league, suffering a decisive loss to the 76ers in their first game but easily securing victory against a short-handed Jazz team in their second match. Rookie number 26, Dillon Jones, has been impressive, going 7-for-8 from the field, including 3-for-3 from three-point range, to score a game-high 21 points along with 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Additionally, Giang contributed 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Mitchell added 11 points and 10 assists, helping the team secure their first win in the summer league.
The Thunder are in good form, but given the intensity of the summer league schedule, many teams opt for some rest and rotation. For example, the Thunder’s previous opponent, the Jazz, rested Kessler and George. Facing the Grizzlies this time, as they play their third consecutive game in three days, the Thunder might choose to rest some players, giving Giang and Jones a break which would be understandable.
The Grizzlies are on a similar schedule, losing their first game and winning their second in their two previous matches. In their last game against the 76ers, ninth pick Zach Edey, Jackson, and Little Pippen were rested, yet the Grizzlies managed to secure the win, with Wells hitting a buzzer-beating layup to give the team their first victory in the summer league. Both of the Grizzlies’ games have been closely contested, with their previous match against the Jazz going into overtime before they were defeated, only to unexpectedly pull off a buzzer-beater in this game.
Due to resting key players like Edey in the previous game, it is likely that they will choose to return against the Thunder, especially since this is their final game in Salt Lake City. Edey’s performance in the first game was outstanding, recording a comprehensive stat line of 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks, and completing an equalizing putback at the end of regulation time, narrowly missing out on a comeback victory. Edey’s performance in this game will also be worth watching as he aims to secure his first win in the summer league.
The summer league serves as a platform for teams to evaluate their rookie players, allowing them to get a feel for the game, while also providing free agents with an opportunity to showcase their skills.
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