As the 2025 Summer League in Las Vegas wraps up, the Sixers have clinched their first win of the season. On Wednesday night, they secured their second straight victory with a 90-82 triumph over the Mavericks, bringing their Las Vegas record to an even 2-2.
Johnny Bloom led the charge with 22 points and 14 rebounds, marking a double-double, while Mark Armstrong contributed 22 points, three assists, and two steals. Notably, VJ Edgecombe, Adem Bona, and Justin Edwards sat out the second night of this back-to-back game stretch for the Sixers.
The team’s final game in Las Vegas is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. ET against the Nets. Reflecting on their win against Dallas, here are some key takeaways:
Bloom’s Shooting Bonanza
Bloom showcased his sharpshooting early, knocking down a pair of three-pointers within the first four minutes. Though he cooled off later, finishing 4-for-11 from beyond the arc, Bloom demonstrated maturity by making smart decisions rather than forcing shots. While the sample size is still small, his Summer League shooting is promising. His three-point shooting improved significantly in college, especially in his junior year at Auburn, where he shot 27.8%—a jump from previous seasons—and he’s continued that trend with a 45.5% mark (10-for-22) in Las Vegas play.
Armstrong Ignites the Bench
Armstrong was a key part of the Sixers’ bench rotation, joining Jalen Slawson, Saint Thomas, Andrew Funk, and Stefan Todorovic in scoring contributions. He had a breakout game, hitting three three-pointers and scoring 13 points just in the first quarter. His confidence as the team’s backup point guard was clear, though one strong game doesn’t completely redefine his shooting profile. Armstrong shot 28.2% from three last season but this performance is an encouraging step as he pursues a professional career.
Veteran Contributions Seal the Win
Hunter Salis, starting at shooting guard, added 9 points and 5 rebounds. He showed his athleticism with a powerful dunk early in the third quarter. Standing 6-foot-2, Armstrong also impressed with his explosive athleticism on one of his three slam dunks.
Starting guard Judas Mintz played like a seasoned pro in only his second Summer League, putting up 14 points and four assists while displaying good ball control with 16 assists and just four turnovers in Vegas. Keve Aluma continued his consistent contributions with 17 points on efficient 8-for-16 shooting, along with four rebounds and three assists. At 26 years old, Aluma brings valuable experience and has shown flashes of brilliance in previous Summer League outings.
Fan Take: This victory is exciting for Sixers fans as it highlights the potential of young players like Bloom and Armstrong who could become core contributors in the future. For basketball fans in general, watching emerging talents develop and succeed in Summer League play offers a glimpse of the next generation poised to impact the sport.
