Day six of summer league has come to a close, and this was actually one of the more exciting days of the week. Orlando Magic (White) clinched their way to the championship game, and the Memphis Grizzlies did the same, but the Oklahoma City Thunder gave them a run for their money in the end. Even the early game was close all the way through, and featured three young scorers that made up for the lack of star power. Tomorrow is the final day, and that will feature the championship game.
Orlando Magic (Blue) vs Indiana Pacers
The Magic (Blue) team put on an early show in their match against the Pacers. It was a close contest, but their was a significant lack of star power. Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton, Mario Hezonja, and Myles Turner all sat out due to none of them having anything more to gain through playing in summer league. All are NBA ready, and two of them put up monster numbers the entire week. It’ll be fun to watch their progress when the games start to count.
Even though this game was missing their stars it still had some solid performances. Tyler Harvey, finally unchained and given touches, led all scorers with 24 points, and nailed four shots four shots from deep. Next to him on the wing was Devyn Marble, dropping 22 points of his own, and lighting the Pacers defense on fire with five 3-pointers. If it hadn’t been for Joe Young topping them both with 28 points, and five 3-pointers himself, then the Pacers might have not been able to overcome the Magic’s duo of points.
MVP: Joe Young
Honorable Mention: Devyn Marble and Tyler Harvey
Orlando Magic (White) vs Brooklyn Nets
Magic (White) had so far dominated Orlando Summer League, but the Brooklyn Nets gave them their biggest challenge of the week. Interesting considering Brooklyn hadn’t won a game all week, but this stuff can never be predicted. That said, the better team came out on top in the end. Magic (White) executed better, and played better defense against a very young Nets team.
Magic (White) got a great performance out of Keith Appling, he led all scorers with 19 points, and they got a fantastic effort from Taylor Braun late. His shooting, and hustle, was a key factor in keeping Brooklyn at bay. The Nets had started to make a run in the fourth, but Braun put an end to that quickly with a few clutch shots.
MVP: Keith Appling
Honorable Mention: Taylor Braun
Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder
The Grizzlies and Thunder have been two of the more above average teams this week, and they played probably the best game of the day. Both teams were giving 100 percent effort, which actually means something at this stage of summer league, and they both put up a lot of points. It was fun in a strange kind of way. Oklahoma City staged a strong comeback in the end, but it came up short as the Grizzlies inched them out for a win.
Jarnell Stokes played his best game of the week, dropping 18 points, and generally being a force on the offensive end of the floor. He had a few dunks that would make highlight reels in NBA games, and he seemed to finally be letting things come to him rather forcing it. A good game for Stokes.
MVP: Jarnell Stokes
Honorable Mention: Russ Smith
Highlight of the Day
Arinze Onuaku block
That's a big man block by @youngflashy21! #NBASummer http://t.co/zp7PEFA2Ny
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 9, 2015