Saturday’s NBA Summer League action was highlighted by an exciting first look at this year’s top two draft picks facing off. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick, had a huge scoring game for the Dallas Mavericks, while Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick, made his debut for the San Antonio Spurs and helped them secure a 76-69 victory.
The day’s games showed that the league’s future is bright. While the top rookies captured most of the attention, several second-year players also had standout performances. They showed significant improvement and looked ready to take on bigger roles for their teams in the upcoming season. This mix of new talent and developing players made for an exciting day of basketball.
⚔️ The Main Event: Flagg vs. Harper
All eyes were on the matchup between Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. After scoring 10 points in his first game, Flagg bounced back with an impressive 31 points for the Mavericks. He showed his all-around skills by making three-pointers, scoring from mid-range, and finishing with powerful dunks. On the other side, Spurs fans were excited to see Harper play for the first time after he recovered from a minor injury. In his 20 minutes on the court, Harper scored 16 points, grabbed six rebounds, and made a memorable block that impressed the crowd.
👑 Kings’ Guards Have a Big Night
The Sacramento Kings had a strong showing from two of their players in a 109-92 win against the Chicago Bulls. Second-year guard Devin Carter had a fantastic game, scoring 30 points on very efficient shooting, including five three-pointers. Carter, who was the 13th pick in the 2024 draft, also contributed eight rebounds and three steals. He was joined by the Kings’ 2025 first-round pick, Nique Clifford, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Clifford finished the game strong, scoring 10 of his points in the final quarter to help seal the victory.
🐺 Timberwolves Duo Shows Promise
Two young guards for the Minnesota Timberwolves also proved they are ready to step up. Terrence Shannon Jr., who is entering his second season, led his team with 24 points and five three-pointers in a 94-83 win over the Denver Nuggets. He also added seven rebounds and three assists, showing he could be a key player for the team. Alongside him, Rob Dillingham controlled the game’s pace, scoring 15 points and providing nine assists. His smart playmaking and solid defense helped the Timberwolves stay undefeated in the Summer League.
