This weekend marks the culmination of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where the excitement is palpable as the semifinals and finals are set to unfold at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 19-20. Basketball enthusiasts can catch all the action either in person or through live broadcasts on ESPN and streaming on ESPN+.
The four semifinalists—Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder—each finished the initial rounds with an impressive 4-0 record. The Raptors stand out with a league-leading point differential of plus-15.8, thanks to notable performances from rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who has averaged 12.7 points with an impressive shooting percentage.
In one semifinal, the Kings face off against the Raptors, showcasing a balanced team effort with seven players scoring in double figures in their recent victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Notably, Nique Clifford has emerged as a key player, leading in scoring, rebounding, and assists.
In the other semifinal, the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, meet the Charlotte Hornets, where Knueppel, the fourth overall draft pick from Duke, is making an impact with consistent performances that include an average of 13.3 points and solid contributions across the board.
Saturday’s winners will square off in a final match on Sunday, bringing a thrilling conclusion to this year’s Summer League action. Fans are eager not only for the competition but also for a preview of which rookies might become future stars in the NBA.
The NBA Summer League has historically been a platform for emerging talent, with past MVPs including celebrated names like Damian Lillard and Jalen Wilson. As we look ahead, there is a sense of hope and excitement surrounding the potential of this year’s standout players.
With the lightweight atmosphere of the Summer League closing in, basketball fans are reminded that the excitement will take a brief hiatus until the official NBA season kicks off later this year. It’s a time to cherish the glimpses of future heroes in our favorite sport.