Keaton Wagler led the Clippers over the Timberwolves in overtime to cap Day 9 of the 2026 NBA Summer League.
Welcome to our recap of Day 9 of the 2026 NBA Summer League!
The Kings defeated the Hornets 92-90 to open Friday’s action in a contest that saw eight lead changes, overcoming a double-double from No. 14 pick Hannes Steinbach (22 pts, 11 reb).
The Cavaliers beat the Bulls 100-91, as No. 34 pick Meleek Thomas (24 pts, 3 3PM) turned in another strong scoring performance.
The Mavericks shot 18-for-39 (46.2%) from 3-point range to knock off the Knicks 110-88.
Tre Donaldson (20 pts, 8 reb, 10 ast) capped his Summer League in style as the Heat came back to beat the Pistons 101-87.
Friday night ended with two thwarted comeback attempts, as the Jazz defeated the Trail Blazers 83-79 behind Justin Harmon (21 pts) and the Clippers beat the Timberwolves 128-120 in overtime, led by Keaton Wagler (26 pts) and Sean Pedulla (24 pts, 11 ast).
We’re back with Celtics-Magic (4:30 ET, Prime Video) on Saturday to open a seven-game slate that includes the NBA Summer League semifinals with Rockets-Grizzlies (6:30 ET, Prime Video) and Lakers-Warriors (8:30 ET, Prime Video) facing off for spots in the championship on Sunday (9 ET, ESPN).
JULY 18 / 1:08 a.m. ET
Clippers win 128-120
Sean Pedulla (24 pts, 11 ast) scored the first nine points for the Clippers in overtime, as they outlasted the Timberwolves to cap Day 9 of the 2026 NBA Summer League with a win.
15 points in regulation.
9 in overtime.
Sean Pedulla was CLUTCH down the stretch for the @LAClippers in their win over Minnesota 💯 https://t.co/BDr5xKHON2 pic.twitter.com/sSg6kbQ7jz
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
Keaton Wagler (26 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast) was impactful for LA, putting up his highest-scoring game of the summer, as the Clippers earned a 56-36 advantage in points in the paint..
Jaylin Williams (21 pts on 8-for-10 shooting) was the top scorer for the Timberwolves, who won the fourth quarter 40-23 to force the extra session.
The game saw 13 lead changes and eight ties — a back-and-forth affair to conclude Friday night’s action.
Watch highlights from the game.
JULY 18 / 12:53 a.m. ET
Overtime in the Thomas & Mack Center
Bonus basketball, as Keaton Wagler (26 pts) couldn’t get a long-range runner to go as the time expired following the clutch bucket from Aussie Rocco Zikarsky (16 pts, 7 reb).
ROCCO ZIKARSKY TIES THE GAME AT 115.
OVERTIME COMING UP NEXT ON ESPN! pic.twitter.com/X0DjHPESwE
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
Check the finish on ESPN!
JULY 18 / 12:44 a.m. ET
Timberwolves-Clippers going down to the wire
102-100 Timberwolves with 4:06 remaining, as Nate Santos (11 pts) puts up his second four-point play of the fourth quarter.
Keaton Wagler (24 pts) is coming back into the game for LA as they look to ice the win.
We’ve got drama on this Friday night in Las Vegas! Tune in to ESPN.
JULY 18 / 12:36 a.m. ET
Utah held off a comeback attempt from Portland, hanging on to win a game that saw 11 lead changes and 10 ties.
Justin Harmon (21 pts) had another strong game for the Jazz en route to the victory.
Justin Harmon (game-high 19 PTS) with the AND-1.
#2 overall pick Darryn Peterson with the 💪 reaction!
Watch the final 2 minutes of Portland/Utah on Prime. pic.twitter.com/MiBn768NwU
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
Jalen Bridges (16 pts, 6 ast) was the top scorer for Portland.
Watch highlights from the game.
Read more about the game on NBA.com.
JULY 17 / 11:39 p.m. ET
Wagler waxing
No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler (13 pts) has it flowing against the Timberwolves, showing the touch that made him the Clippers’ first-round choice.
The Clippers’ No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler gets to his spot and scores 👏
MIN/LAC NBA Summer League action is LIVE on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/iJvCpp95aT
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
We’ll see if he can get strong enough to add another dimension offensively, but his feel for space is notable.
JULY 17 / 11:11 p.m. ET
One time for Tre Donaldson
A near triple-double by Miami rookie Tre Donaldson in NBA Summer League action!
🔥 20 PTS (13 in 4Q)
🔥 8 REB
🔥 10 AST
🔥 3-4 3PM
🔥 8-12 FGM@MiamiHEAT defeat the Pistons, 101-87! pic.twitter.com/m3A2lBUxtu
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
JULY 17 / 11:01 p.m. ET
No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler highlights this contest, as he leads the Clippers against Zyon Pullin and the Timberwolves.
JULY 17 / 10:57 p.m. ET
Tre Donaldson (20 pts on 8-for-12 shooting, 8 reb, 10 ast) scored 13 points in the fourth quarter as Miami came back to top Detroit in their final game of the summer.
“Just a sense of urgency. I’m a bad sore loser, so just trying to win,” said Donaldson. “They’re evaluating, and I’m trying to show I belong… I lead my team and I win.”
The Heat trailed entering the fourth quarter in a game that saw 10 lead changes, but won the final period 35-15.
Ebuka Okorie (27 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast) was the top scorer for the Pistons.
Donaldson attended Auburn, Michigan and Miami and was named Second Team All-ACC in his senior season.
Watch highlights from the game.
Read more about the game on NBA.com.
JULY 17 / 10:49 p.m. ET
One time for Hannes Steinbach
Steinbach looks like an old-school power forward, constantly finding space around the rim to rebound and finish.
As the Hornets’ roster adjusts, he could find a place providing support for their long-range shooters.
No. 14 overall pick Hannes Steinbach continues to impress in Las Vegas 🔥
Tonight, the @hornets rookie (22p, 11r, 7-10 fgm) recorded his second straight 20/10 game and third double-double in five NBA Summer League games! pic.twitter.com/QA8SgAJKup
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
JULY 17 / 10:43 p.m. ET
Mavericks win 110-88
Tyler Smith (21 pts, 4 reb) and Darin Green Jr. (21 pts, 6 3PM, team-high +31) ran away from the Knicks to finish their summer with a victory.
The Mavericks shot 18-for-39 (46.2%) from 3-point range in the win, putting up 26 assists on 32 made field goals.
Pacôme Dadiet (19 pts, 5 reb) got downhill to lead the Knicks in scoring.
Watch more highlights from the game.
JULY 17 / 10:30 p.m. ET
Former Heat Orlando Robinson squares off with Yang Hansen, the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, in this battle.
The Jazz have been a fun Summer League team for most of their run — we’ll see if they have one more surge in them.
JULY 17 / 10:06 p.m. ET
Mavericks break it open
Dallas is up 76-60 after three quarters after winning the third 35-19.
The Mavericks have primarily used the 3-point shot to succeed tonight, going 14-for-32 (43.8%) from distance while the Knicks are 5-for-28 (17.8%).
JULY 17 / 9:20 p.m. ET
One time for Meleek Thomas
Cavs rookie @ThomasMeleek (24 PTS) sounds off after his standout performance vs. Chicago! https://t.co/ioAsRp8fok pic.twitter.com/nSnw51pjyC
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
JULY 17 / 9:00 p.m. ET
Pistons–Heat getting going on ESPN
No. 17 pick Ebuka Okorie leads Detroit against Miami, along with Chaz Lanier, who’s made 15 3-pointers for the Pistons over his last two games.
JULY 17 / 8:45 p.m. ET
Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu is ready to soar for the Mavericks again in this one, as they face Pacôme Dadiet and the Knicks.
JULY 17 / 8:43 p.m. ET
Meleek Thomas (24 pts, 3 3PM) led all scorers as the Cavs earned nine more shots than the Bulls and controlled the paint to earn a win to close out their summer.
“Just taking what the defense’s giving me,” said Thomas. “I’m going to forever be one of the best on the court I play on.”
Thomas (27.3 ppg this summer) powered the Cavs offense, opening eyes and earning praise beyond your typical No. 34 pick.
“He’s shown the entire array,” said ESPN’s Tom Crean. “He hasn’t forced plays with the pressure, and he’s made very good decisions. He has point guard in his future.”
Donovan Atwell (22 pts, 6 3PM) topped the scoring for Chicago.
Read more about the game on NBA.com.
Watch highlights from the game.
JULY 17 / 8:28 p.m. ET
Emanuel Sharp (16 pts, 4 3PM, 3 stl) led the Kings to a close win over the Hornets, as Sacramento put up 23 assists on 32 made field goals.
“It’s great. We had a rough few games before this, but we fought back today,” said Sharp. “It was a tough one, but we pulled it out in the end.”
The Kings took the lead with just under four minutes to go and never relinquished it, earning control of a game that saw eight lead changes.
Adam Flagler knocks down the clutch triple 👌
He puts Sacramento up 4 PTS late in the 4Q on Prime! pic.twitter.com/mZDC8L5DUz
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
Hannes Steinbach (22 pts, 11 reb) was the top performer for the Hornets.
Watch highlights from the game.
Read more about the game on NBA.com.
JULY 17 / 8:15 p.m. ET
Kings-Hornets going down to the wire
84-83 Charlotte with 4:14 to go on Prime. Catch the finish on this Friday night!
JULY 17 / 7:48 p.m. ET
Meleek on the attack
Meleek Thomas (12 pts, 2 3PM) is at it again for the Cavaliers, who are up 45-37 on the Bulls at the half.
Meleek Thomas’ speed 😳
The No. 34 overall pick leads all scorers with 12 points on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/nSSj4d52lW
— NBA (@NBA) July 17, 2026
The No. 34 pick is the only player in double figures in the contest, helping the Cavs rack up a 24-10 advantage in points in the paint.
Legitimate burst here from the rookie out of Arkansas.
JULY 17 / 7:00 p.m. ET
Bulls-Cavaliers about to tip off on ESPN
No. 34 pick Meleek Thomas, fresh off a 35-point outing, leads the Cavaliers against the Bulls.
JULY 17 / 6:50 p.m. ET
These teams are running
We’re lacking shot clocks at the moment, so both teams are pushing the ball, creating an interesting change of pace in the Pavilion.
We’ve seen 18 shots in the first five-plus minutes of the game, with Hannes Steinbach (9 pts, 3 reb) excelling in the high-tempo environment.
Hannes Steinbach is off to a HOT start 🔥
The No. 14 pick has 9 of the Hornets’ first 11 PTS on Prime! pic.twitter.com/8q43Ptifux
— NBA (@NBA) July 17, 2026
14-11 Kings with 3:57 to go in the first.
JULY 17 / 6:30 p.m. ET
Kings–Hornets opens Friday’s action on Prime
No. 14 pick Hannes Steinbach and No. 18 pick Christian Anderson are in action for the Hornets as they take on the Kings.
JULY 17 / 6:15 p.m. ET
Friday’s Summer League schedule
- 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
JULY 17 / 6:00 p.m. ET
Recap of Day 8 in the 2026 NBA Summer League
The Lakers, Rockets, Grizzlies and Warriors advanced to the tournament semifinals, where they’ll compete for the championship.
Led by No. 25 pick Sergio De Larrea (9 reb, 14 ast) and the high-flying acrobatics of Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu (12 pts, 5 reb), the Mavericks defeated the Thunder 97-87 to open Thursday’s action.
The Rockets beat the Nets 103-83, led by backcourt mates Bruce Thornton (23 pts) and Tristen Newton (20 pts), giving them a 3-1 record and, eventually, a spot in the semifinals.
The Lakers advanced to the semifinals by earning a 105-82 win over the Bulls, as six double-figure scorers overcame Caleb Wilson (21 pts, 8 reb).
The Warriors vaulted into contention for a semifinals spot by beating the Knicks 87-77, later clinching it after the Blazers won the final game of the night.
No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer (24 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast) and the Grizzlies clinched a semifinals spot by demolishing the Hawks 96-64, holding them to a Summer League record-low 2 first-quarter points.
The Raptors earned a 99-90 win over the Heat, led by No. 19 pick Allen Graves (23 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast).
Yang Hansen (13 pts, 5 reb, 4 blk) led six Blazers in double figures as they defeated the Nuggets 108-101, denying them a spot in the semifinals.
