Day 9 of the 2026 NBA Summer League: Easy Recap for Beginners

Want to know what happened in the 2026 NBA Summer League on Day 9? Think of the Summer League like a practice tournament where young basketball players show what they can do. Here’s a super simple breakdown of all the games and fun moments!

What Is the NBA Summer League?

The NBA Summer League is a bunch of games in the summer where rookies (first-year players), young guys, and tryout players get to play real basketball. It helps teams see who might be good for the future.

Friday’s Game Schedule (Day 9)

Here are the games played on Friday, July 17 (times are Eastern Time):

• Charlotte Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings (6:30 ET, Prime Video)
  • Featuring No. 14 pick Hannes Steinbach and No. 18 pick Christian Anderson
• Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (7 ET, ESPN)
  • Featuring No. 34 pick Meleek Thomas
• Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks (8:30 ET, Prime Video)
  • Featuring No. 25 pick Sergio De Larrea
• Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat (9 ET, ESPN)
  • Featuring No. 17 pick Ebuka Okorie
• Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz (10:30 ET, Prime Video)
  • Featuring 2025 No. 16 pick Yang Hansen
• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Clippers (11 ET, ESPN)
  • Featuring No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler

Important Point: "No. 5 pick" means that player was chosen 5th in the draft (a system where teams take turns picking new players). A "double-double" means a player gets 10 or more in two stats like points and rebounds.

Early Games Recap

Kings vs. Hornets

• Kings won 92-90.
• The game had 8 lead changes (teams kept taking the lead).
• Hannes Steinbach (Hornets, No. 14 pick) had 22 points and 11 rebounds (a double-double), but Kings still won.
• Emanuel Sharp led Kings with 16 points; Adam Flagler hit a clutch 3-pointer late.

Cavaliers vs. Bulls

• Cavaliers won 100-91.
• Meleek Thomas (No. 34 pick) scored 24 points with 3 three-pointers.
• He averaged 27.3 points per game this summer and impressed everyone.
• Donovan Atwell scored 22 for Bulls.

Mavericks vs. Knicks

• Mavericks won 110-88.
• They made 18 out of 39 three-point shots (46.2%).
• Tyler Smith and Darin Green Jr. each scored 21 points.

Heat vs. Pistons

• Heat won 101-87.
• Tre Donaldson (Heat) had 20 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists (near triple-double) and scored 13 in the 4th quarter.
• Ebuka Okorie scored 27 for Pistons.

Jazz vs. Trail Blazers

• Jazz won 83-79.
• Justin Harmon scored 21 for Jazz.
• Game had 11 lead changes and 10 ties.

Clippers vs. Timberwolves

• Clippers won 128-120 in overtime (extra time because tie after regular game).
• Keaton Wagler (No. 5 pick) scored 26 points (his best summer game).
• Sean Pedulla scored 9 of Clippers’ first points in overtime (24 points, 11 assists total).
• Game had 13 lead changes and 8 ties.

Closer Look: Clippers vs. Timberwolves

This was the last game and very exciting!

• Overtime win: Clippers outscored Timberwolves in extra time. Sean Pedulla was clutch.
• Keaton Wagler: 26 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists. Clippers won points-in-the-paint 56-36 (scoring close to basket).
• Timberwolves: Jaylin Williams scored 21 points; they won 4th quarter 40-23 to force overtime.
• Drama: Rocco Zikarsky tied game at 115 to send to OT. Wagler missed a long shot at end of regulation.

Other Cool Moments

• Hannes Steinbach (Hornets) looked like old-school power forward, got 22 points and 11 rebounds vs Kings.
• Meleek Thomas (Cavs) was fast and scored 35 earlier; kept scoring well.
• Tre Donaldson said: “Just a sense of urgency. I’m a bad sore loser, so just trying to win.”

What’s Next? (Day 10 & Semifinals)

• Saturday: Celtics vs Magic at 4:30 ET (Prime Video) opens a 7-game day.
• Semifinals:
  1. Rockets vs Grizzlies — 6:30 ET (Prime Video)
  2. Lakers vs Warriors — 8:30 ET (Prime Video)
• Championship: Sunday at 9 ET (ESPN)

Recap of Day 8 (For Context)

Before Day 9, on Day 8:

• Lakers, Rockets, Grizzlies, Warriors made semifinals.
• Mavericks beat Thunder 97-87.
• Rockets beat Nets 103-83.
• Lakers beat Bulls 105-82.
• Warriors beat Knicks 87-77.
• Grizzlies beat Hawks 96-64 (held them to 2 points in 1st quarter!).
• Raptors beat Heat 99-90.
• Blazers beat Nuggets 108-101 (Yang Hansen 13 pts, 5 reb, 4 blocks).

Summary

Day 9 of the 2026 NBA Summer League was full of close games and young stars shining. Kings, Cavs, Mavs, Heat, Jazz, and Clippers all won. Keaton Wagler and Sean Pedulla led Clippers in a wild OT game. Now we look forward to semifinals with Rockets, Grizzlies, Lakers, and Warriors!

FAQ

Q: What does "Summer League" mean?
A: It’s a summer basketball event where new and young NBA players compete in games so teams can see their skills.

Q: What is a "pick" like No. 5 or No. 34?
A: It’s the order a player was chosen in the NBA Draft. Lower number = picked earlier.

Q: What is overtime?
A: Extra playing time when the score is tied after the normal game ends.

Q: What is a double-double?
A: When a player gets 10 or more in two categories (like points and rebounds) in one game.

Q: Where can I watch the semifinals?
A: On Prime Video (Rockets-Grizzlies at 6:30 ET, Lakers-Warriors at 8:30 ET) and ESPN for Sunday championship.