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Las Vegas – There’s plenty happening at the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, with two courts hosting eight exciting games daily. Here are some notable moments from day one:
Ryan Nembhard Shines in Bronny/Flagg Showdown
The Thomas & Mack Center was packed with fans eager to see Bronny James and Cooper Flagg, who both had their moments. However, many left wondering, “Who is Ryan Nembhard? Is he related to the Pacers’ Andrew Nembhard?” Indeed, Ryan is Andrew’s younger brother. After two years at Clayton and an impressive two seasons at Gonzaga, Ryan went undrafted in June, partly due to his height being listed at 5’11”, which some consider generous.
Despite this, Nembhard led scoring with 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting during the Mavericks’ win over the Lakers. Mavericks coach Josh Brogdon praised him, saying, "He can both score and pass, acting as a strong facilitator." The Mavericks quickly signed him to a two-way contract after the draft, and based on this performance, that looks like a smart move. — Kurt Helin
Pelicans vs. Timberwolves Highlights
The first day kicked off with New Orleans facing Minnesota. The Pelicans featured recent first-round picks like Jeremiah Fear (7th in 2025), Derrick Queen (13th in 2025), and Eve Misi (21st in 2024). Both teams had standout players, but Bellinger’s performance stood out with 11 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and six blocks. Minnesota’s roster includes Rudy Gobert, who has two seasons left plus a player option.
Though it’s just summer league, Bellinger shows potential to become a rim-running, athletic defensive force like Gobert. Dillingham impressed with flashy moves and court control, as did Fear, despite some struggles with shot selection and turnovers. Misi demonstrated strength, blocking shots and appearing to need little more summer league game time. Queen showed flashes with great passes and pull-up shots, which could help him alongside Zion Williamson offensively, but his defense and turnovers remain concerns. — Noah Rubin
Other Notes:
- Lakers’ Dalton Knecht Battles Leg Cramps: Knecht had a rough start with cramps causing some mistakes but bounced back to score 15 points on six of 16 shooting in a strong second half.
- Game of the Day – Jamaree Bouyea’s Clutch Play: The Bucks and Nuggets had a close game decided by a late dunk from Denver, but Bouyea’s two-way contract player sealed the win for the Bucks in the final seconds.
- Ajay Mitchell Dominates Summer League: Mitchell impressed with a 20-point outing in Las Vegas and had strong performances earlier in Salt Lake City, earning a three-year, $8.7 million deal with the Thunder.
- Classic Summer League Moment: Thunder’s Erik Reynolds scored in the wrong basket right after the jump ball — a memorable moment that wasn’t officially counted but captures the Summer League spirit.
- Nolan Traore’s Solid Debut for the Nets: The French point guard showed experience and speed in his first summer league game, giving Brooklyn reasons for optimism.
- Statistical Update: The NBA confirmed that shots launched as the buzzer sounds (“heaves”) in the final seconds will now be recorded as team attempts, reflecting changes tested in the G League.
Fan Take: This comprehensive look at the Summer League highlights emerging talents and intriguing storylines that matter to basketball fans. Players like Ryan Nembhard and Ajay Mitchell demonstrate the depth of skill entering the league, while new rules and memorable moments remind us that summer leagues are where futures are made and the game continues to evolve.
