The curtains draw to a close later today at the 2022 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas Nevada with the championship game between New York Knicks and Portland Trailblazers. But some of the league’s top prospects showed no signs of slowing down with outstanding plays, especially in the second week of action. Let’s take a cursory look at their performances and what basketball organizations, aficionados and followers were talking about on social media per their statistics and effort. Murray Puts the League on Notice Keegan Murray has been putting the league on notice since his summer debut. Sacramento’s most recent lottery lived up to the hype of his No. 4 overall selection by delivering productivity on both ends of the floor. The former Iowa standout continued his vigorous play from Week One by delivering 29 points on 52% shooting in a loss against the Thunder on Friday.
Keegan Murray dropped 29 points for the Kings tonight, already his 5th 20-point game of this Summer League. The other 13 lottery picks from the 2022 Draft have combined for 6 total 20-point games, and only Bennedict Mathurin (2) has multiple. pic.twitter.com/kVNLc0J48h — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 14, 2022
Murray maintained his high level of play in a win against the Suns by logging his first double-double, 21 points, 10 rebounds of Summer League. He averaged 23.3 points on 50% shooting from the field, 40% from deep and 80% from the charity stripe. Out of all the rookies in Las Vegas, the 21-year-old has been the most impressive. Grimes Grinds Big The influence of Quentin Grimes for the Knicks in Vegas has been of immense importance. The 22-year-old’s electric streak has been massive, averaging 23.5 points per game on 43.7% shooting.
“The dominance of Quentin Grimes has been monumental for the Knicks in Las Vegas….The 22-year-old has continued his electric play in Summer League, averaging 23.5 points per game on 43.7% shooting” https://t.co/rKTEJwzMuN pic.twitter.com/Z0rJRKEU33 — New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 17, 2022
His highlight game of the week came during the Knicks’ sole loss when he amassed 24 points and six rebounds on 52.9% shooting against the Trail Blazers last Monday. Grimes and New York will get a chance to avenge their loss against Portland on Sunday as both teams face off in the Championship Game. Thomas Shines On The Brooklyn Nets underachieved in Vegas, but Cam Thomas did manage to impress. Thomas displayed an endless array of ways to put the ball in the basket. The second-year guard was one of the league leaders in scoring, averaging 28 points per game on 42.7% shooting.
Watching @24_camthomas get buckets never gets old pic.twitter.com/dPxBFemQzY — Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) July 17, 2022
While his shot-creating ability has been second to none this summer, Thomas made his presence felt at the free-throw line with 12 attempts per game. His second week of Summer League featured a 29-point showcase in a loss against the Grizzlies and a 26-point performance in a win against the Timberwolves. Mamu Steals Show A new name has emerged onto the scene. The No. 54 pick in the 2021 draft – Sandro Mamukelashvili. He made the most of his opportunity by stuffing the stat sheet and taking a lead role on the Bucks’ Summer League roster. Sandro opened his second week with a jaw-dropping 28-point performance to go alongside nine rebounds in a loss against the Celtics. He continued to enforce his will by tallying a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds in a win against the Timberwolves.
Bucks 2021 No. 54 pick Sandro Mamukelashvili has looked promising in 4 Summer League games so far: 17+ PTS in every game, including a 28/9 night & 18/15 performance! 😳 ‘Mamu’ is on a two-way contract. Should Milwaukee convert him into a full deal? 🤔🦌 pic.twitter.com/8QI9AmFtDB — NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) July 15, 2022
Mamu averaged 20.5 points and 8.8 rebounds on 48.1% shooting. The 23-year-old’s aggressive play attributes to the hard-nosed culture the Bucks have established as an organization. Mobley Show Signs of Improvement The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 94-90, and Isaiah Mobley, the brother of Cavs’ star Evan Mobley, showed some signs of improvement in the win. Mobley finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in 26:55. He made four of 10 shots from the floor and one of three from deep. He also made six of his seven free throws. The USC product did not have the best performance in the Summer League this year and might likely not earn a roster spot in Cleveland, but he will get some much-needed time in the G League to develop.
Isaiah Mobley today: 15 Points 10 Rebounds 4 Assists 4/10 FG 1/3 3PT 6/7 FT +10 Productive pic.twitter.com/EtwlgTR3SU — Mack Perry (@DevaronPerry) July 16, 2022