The Utah Jazz hosted their yearly Salt Lake City Summer League on July 8, 9 and 10. Also participating in the league this year were the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies. The teams played in a round-robin format with each team playing each other once throughout the event. Below is a game-by-game recap for the Summer League featuring interviews with both players and coaches.
Day One
Thunder v. 76ers
In the opening game of the SLC Summer League, Ricky Council IV propelled the Sixers to a 102-92 victory over the Thunder with a 29-point eight rebound showing.
For the Thunder, it was Adam Flagler leading the way. The former Baylor Bear poured in 19 points in the losing effort. Also playing a big role for the Thunder was former Weber State star and 26th overall pick Dillon Jones, who contributed a game-high 10 rebounds.
Jazz v. Grizzlies
In a thrilling Day One finale, the Jazz defeated the Grizzlies in overtime 97-95. This game also marked the Summer League debut of the Elam ending. The Elam ending, which takes effect as the result of a tie at the end of regulation, adds seven points to the tied score, creating a target score with the first team to reach it winning the game.
Keyonte George provided the winning formula for the Jazz, finishing the game with 30 points and four assists, including a pair of game-winning free throws.
A standout rookie in this game for the Jazz was 29th overall pick Isiah Collier, who helped take over in the second half with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists.
For the Grizzlies, it was a whole team effort, but standouts include 9th overall pick Zach Edey, who played his sole game of the SLC Summer League Day One, where he finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds in a monstrous double-double.
Scottie Pippen Jr. also shined for the Grizzlies, ending the game with 21 points and five assists.
Postgame Interviews
Jazz Summer League Head Coach Sean Sheldon
Day Two
76ers v. Grizzlies
Day two of the Summer league featured a lot of rest from the marquee players of the event who played heavy minutes on Day One. For the Grizzlies, this meant no Edey and Pippen Jr. This made room however for 39th overall pick Jaylen Wells to shine, scoring a game-high 27 points to go along with six rebounds including the game-winning bucket in the final seconds of the 87-85 win.
For the 76ers, Jeff Downtin Jr. led the way off the bench scoring 18 points and adding six assists.
Adem Bona anchored Philadelphia defensively with five blocks. Offensively, Bona struggled however, going 0-2 from the field with all six of his points coming from the charity stripe.
Thunder v. Jazz
The Jazz felt the absence of the trio of Walker Kessler, Taylor Hendricks, and George heavily in their 98-75 loss to the Thunder.
The Jazz instead turned to Brice Sensabaugh and Kenny Lofton Jr. to lead the team, with the duo each pouring in 18 points.
For the Thunder it was Jones who took over, scoring 21 points and going a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc. On top of this, he added seven rebounds and four assists.
Day Three
Thunder v. Grizzlies
In the penultimate game of the SLC Summer League, the Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 80-77.
For the Grizzlies, GG Jackson, who was a first-team all-rookie last season for Memphis, has his best showing of the week with an all-around performance where he recorded 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals in the loss.
Pippen Jr. had another solid performance following his day of rest, putting up 17 points, five assists and three steals.
For the Thunder, 38th overall pick Ajay Mitchell from Belgium led the way with 21 points and five rebounds.
Jones hit his first lump in his NBA tenure, recording seven points on 2-11 shooting. But he still contributed to the win by adding six rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Postgame Interviews
Jazz v. 76ers
George and Hendricks paved the way for the Jazz victory in the Summer League pouring in 31 and 18 points respectively.
Hendricks also displayed his defensive potential with three blocks while only committing three fouls.
Council IV had a bounce-back performance for Philadelphia, putting up a team-high 21 points.
Postgame Interviews
Summer League Head Coach Sean Sheldon
All teams now look ahead to the Las Vegas Summer League which will take place from Friday, July 12 to Monday, July 22.