Day 8 of the 2026 NBA Summer League saw the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and Golden State Warriors advance to the tournament semifinals. These teams will now compete for the championship title.
The Dallas Mavericks started Thursday’s action with a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sergio De Larrea, the No. 25 pick, contributed with rebounds and assists, while Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu added points and rebounds. The Mavericks secured a 97-87 win.
The Rockets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 103-83, with strong performances from Bruce Thornton and Tristen Newton. This win improved their record to 3-1, ultimately earning them a spot in the semifinals.
Semifinalists Emerge After Key Victories
The Lakers secured their place in the semifinals with a 105-82 win against the Chicago Bulls. Six players scored in double figures for Los Angeles, overcoming the efforts of Caleb Wilson for the Bulls. The Lakers demonstrated strong team play, shooting 49.2% from the field and recording 24 assists on 32 field goals.
The Grizzlies clinched a semifinal spot by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 96-64. Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 pick, was a key contributor for Memphis. The Grizzlies’ defense was notable, holding the Hawks to a low point total in the first quarter, setting a Summer League record.
The Warriors entered contention for a semifinal spot by beating the New York Knicks 87-77. They later secured their berth after the Portland Trail Blazers won the final game of the night.
In other Thursday games, the Toronto Raptors earned a 99-90 win over the Miami Heat. Allen Graves, the No. 19 pick, led the Raptors’ effort. Toronto’s shooting from beyond the arc was effective, converting 12-for-28 from 3-point range.
The Trail Blazers defeated the Denver Nuggets 108-101, preventing the Nuggets from advancing to the semifinals. Six Blazers players scored in double figures, with Yang Hansen showcasing his skills with points, rebounds, and blocks. Flynn Cameron noted the team’s bonding through Uno games during Summer League.
Standout Performances and Team Dynamics
Several players delivered notable performances throughout Day 8. Caleb Wilson of the Bulls, the No. 4 pick, displayed athleticism and shot-blocking abilities. His performance during Summer League has been a source of optimism for Bulls fans.
Morez Johnson Jr. of the Mavericks, despite the attention on other lottery talents, impressed with his physicality and continuous effort. His debut included strong scoring, rebounding, steals, and blocks. Johnson’s ability to run the floor and his defensive attributes, such as chase-down speed and timing, appear ready for professional play.
Kingston Flemings and Darius Acuff Jr. also stood out for their playmaking abilities as guards. Both demonstrated an aptitude for driving into space and creating opportunities for teammates, exhibiting high percentiles in rim rate and rim assists. Their overall assist rates and assist-to-usage ratios suggest they are quality prospects for developmental environments.
The Grizzlies set a Summer League defensive record by limiting the Hawks to a low point total in the first quarter of their game. This defensive effort contributed significantly to their victory and semifinal qualification.
Jahmir Young of the Heat had a strong scoring performance against the Raptors, attempting to lead his team to a comeback. Young, who played for the Heat previously and made the All-G League First Team, is known for his aggressive play.
The Lakers‘ win over the Bulls was described as a physical contest, with players showing intensity as they competed for a spot in the semifinals. Jon Elmore commented on the chippy nature of the game, highlighting the competitive drive for the Summer League title.
The Trail Blazers‘ victory against the Nuggets was a close game, with the score tight in the final minutes. Yang Hansen‘s late-game contributions helped the Blazers secure the win and deny the Nuggets a semifinal spot.
The Rockets‘ Bruce Thornton, despite being a later pick, has been noted for his scoring ability and defensive play. His performance has garnered attention from head coach Ime Udoka.
The 2026 NBA Summer League semifinals are now set to feature the Lakers, Grizzlies, Rockets, and Warriors.
Source: nba.com