A look at top performers from Las Vegas on Day 12 of Summer League:
Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks
Game Recap: Knicks 104, Hawks 85
The star rookie dominated in his closeout game in Vegas, showing Knicks fans that he’s ready for the Big Apple after defeating the Hawks 104-85 on Monday night.
Grimes needed just 28 minutes of action to put up 26 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Always for the fans 🧡@qdotgrimes | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/De1jh9ucWr
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) August 17, 2021
The first-rounder hit 10-for-17 field goal attempts, including six of the Knicks’ 21 3-pointers, helping balance out an off night for teammate Immanuel Quickley (3-18 FG, 3-14 3PT). Grimes was coming off another big game in Saturday’s win over the Cavaliers, when he went for 28 points and six 3-pointers to go with six rebounds, four assists and a steal. Over his six Summer League appearances, Grimes averaged 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists and shot 40.7% from 3-point territory.
Selected 25th overall in the 2021 Draft, Grimes spent his final two collegiate seasons at the University of Houston after transferring from Kansas. During his junior season, Grimes averaged 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 40.3% from 3. He helped lead the Cougars all the way to the Final Four, where they fell to eventual-champion Baylor.
Miles McBride, New York Knicks
McBride also had a big night for the Knicks, proving he’s more than just an average second-rounder. The 36th pick added 19 points (7-10 FGs, 5-8 3PTs), four assists, one steal and a rebound in just 27 minutes of play.
Miles McBride today:
🏀 19 PTS
🏀 4 AST
🏀 70 FG%Playing better than a 2nd rounder. pic.twitter.com/xlempQQiiX
— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) August 17, 2021
Nah’Shon ‘Bones’ Hyland, Denver Nuggets
Game Recap: Nuggets 94, Bucks 87
Besides having the best nickname in the MGM Resorts Summer League and maybe the entire 2021 Draft class, Nah’Shon ‘Bones’ Hyland has made his presence felt throughout play in Vegas. Hyland closed out his Summer League by dropping 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting, including three 3-pointers, in the Nuggets’ 94-87 win over the Bucks on Monday. The rookie guard, who has now scored in double-digits in four Summer League appearances, added five assists, two rebounds and one steal.
Luka Garza, Detroit Pistons
Game Recap: Pistons 79, Magic 98
After a standout Summer League for Detroit, the second-round pick continued to make his mark with his best performance yet in the Pistons’ 79-78 victory over the Magic. The 6-foot-11 center out of Iowa had already posted a double-double by halftime, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 boards. Garza ended the night with 21 points and 15 rebounds, securing his third straight double-double of Summer League play.
JT Thor, Charlotte Hornets
Game Recap: Bulls 99, Hornets 74
Although the Hornets did not win a game in Vegas after losing to the Bulls 99-74 on Monday night, JT Thor made his final Summer League matchup count. The second-round pick posted a near double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds along with two big blocks.
The 6-foot-10 rookie stole the show in the fourth quarter, crossing up Bulls defender Troy Baxter Jr. and throwing down a huge one-handed slam that had fans inside Thomas & Mack Center on their feet.
Something to smile about 😁… Thor with the hammer SLAM 🔨💥@thorrjt | #AllFly pic.twitter.com/nHZGSuQvtz
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) August 17, 2021
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Oklahoma City Thunder
Game Recap: Thunder 116, Spurs 91
The 32nd overall pick helped the Thunder secure their second victory of Summer League play in their final matchup in Vegas, defeating the Spurs 116-91. Robinson-Earl led the Thunder starters with 15 points, shooting 53.8% from the field (7-13) and added eight rebounds and four assists to his tally.
Shaq Buchanan, Memphis Grizzlies
Game Recap: Grizzlies 104, Clippers 95
After a relatively quiet start to Summer League play, Buchanan flipped the switch and erupted for a game-high 21 points in the Grizzlies’ 104-95 victory over the Clippers on Monday night. He shot 9-for-19 from the field, knocking down two 3-pointers and added two rebounds along with one assist in the win. The 6-foot-3 guard, who went undrafted in 2019, spent the last two seasons with the G League’s Memphis Hustle. Prior to that, he attended Murray State and played alongside Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
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Information from RotoWire.com was used in this report.
