Hawks Showcasing Grit and Growth at Summer League

By: Justin Lloyd, our 2025 Sekou Smith Summer League Experience Intern

Coming off a thrilling 92-88 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Hawks improved their Summer League record to 4-0, marking their best start to a Las Vegas Summer League in 15 summers.

The key to the Hawks’ undefeated record in Summer League has been their resilience and grit in facing adversity. Whether they're trailing by double digits or missing key players, they have demonstrated their ability to stay composed and confident in close games. 

Thursday’s game was a prime example of their composure in late-game situations. They were in control of the game for the majority of the second half but watched a double-digit lead dwindle in the fourth quarter as the Grizzlies went on a 14-1 run to take the lead. 

The Hawks led by as many as 14 points, but with 1:30 remaining, they were down by three and in need of stops and buckets. Following a huge block by Asa Newell, a Kobe Bufkin lay-up brought the game within one, and an Adam Flagler pull-up jump shot would prove to be the game-winner, giving Atlanta an 88-87 lead.

Those are the types of situations the Hawks have found themselves in multiple times this summer, as three of their four games have been settled by less than 10 points. Their journey in Las Vegas began by grinding out a 105-98 victory against the Miami Heat.  In a game where they trailed by 12 points with less than ten minutes remaining, they would pull off a 29-8 run in the final period to win it.

This win set the tone for the Hawks to begin Summer League, and the third game tested the Hawks’ character yet again. Facing the Houston Rockets, on the second day of a back-to-back, Atlanta trailed by as many as 15 points and was down 10 with only six minutes remaining. Still, the Hawks managed to stay poised. With the help of Jack McVeigh, Newell, Nikola Ðurišić, and Bufkin, the club forced overtime and secured a 111-108 victory.

With each competitive game, the Hawks are gaining valuable experience, and Head Coach Bryan Bailey emphasized the importance of learning how to manage tight situations. “The biggest thing is that they get to see what it’s like down the stretch, and we talk about execution down the stretch,” said Bailey. “We’ve got end-of-game situations where we need to foul up three, situations where we need to inbound the ball — these are all learning experiences for them.” 

Coach Bailey has also mentioned that defense has been a crucial piece of the Hawks’ Summer League run thus far, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Hawks have outscored their opponents in the final period 112-82, while forcing an average of 3.0 turnovers. 

To add to this, Hawks have an abundance of players who can jumpstart a comeback bid at any moment.  Bufkin, the leading scorer of the Hawks Summer League squad, averaging 19.5 points per game, seems to play his best ball in the second half. The former Michigan guard scored 11 points in the third quarter against the Rockets, sinking three shots from behind the arc. 

McVeigh is another player who has been impactful during clutch time. He has been the leading scorer in the fourth quarter for Atlanta during the last two games and is averaging 20.5 points over that span. Despite the nail-biting finishes, the 6-8 forward from Australia says this experience has been nothing short of enjoyable. 

“This has been some of the most fun basketball I’ve played just internally. I’m not putting any pressure on myself,” said McVeigh. “I’m just grateful to be here, and I’m enjoying every single second out here in my first Summer League as a 29 year old.” 

While the Hawks won’t compete in the Summer League Playoffs due to point differential, they’ll have one final chance to close out their impressive run on a high note when they match up with the Boston Celtics today. Coach Bailey said the Hawks’ mindset heading into their last game is to finish with pride. 

“Our whole motto for the Summer League has been pride and enthusiasm,” said Bailey. “I want guys to go out there and play defense with pride, offense with pride, and then be enthusiastic about everything.”

A win on Sunday would mark a 5-0 Summer League record, the first time at Las Vegas Summer League the club would go undefeated. Regardless, Atlanta seems to have found its identity: resilient, unselfish, and ready for the moment.