The Memphis Grizzlies are officially headed to the NBA Summer League title game, and let me tell you, they earned it. They just dropped the hammer on the Rockets with a 101-90 win on July 18, right there at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. This wasn’t some sleepy, early-season exhibition; the Grizzlies came out swinging, grabbing a double-digit lead in the first quarter and holding onto that advantage through most of the game. When a team establishes that kind of dominance from the jump, you know they mean business.
Coward Leads the Charge, Roster Stays Locked In
Cedric Coward was an absolute beast out there, pouring in a massive 28 points to lead the way for Memphis. Talk about stepping up when it counts! But this wasn’t just a one-man show. The Grizzlies’ strategy for this Summer League has been crystal clear: they want that title. That’s why they elected not to rest or shut down any of their top players throughout the tournament. Think about that commitment! While other squads might be rotating guys out, letting them save their energy, Memphis has kept their core summer league starting lineup intact.
This cohesion has made a huge difference. With Coward, 2026 draft pick Cam Boozer, and the rest of the starters mostly staying together, this Grizzlies roster has looked undeniably stronger than anyone they’ve faced. It’s that kind of continuity and determination that makes a team a real contender, even in the Summer League. They’re playing like every possession matters, and that intensity is paying dividends. You can see the hunger in their eyes, striving for that championship.
Building for the Future, Battling for Today
It’s not just about winning now; it’s also about showcasing the future. Remember those 2026 draft picks? Karim Lopez, Cam Boozer, and Richie Saunders were all introduced by General Manager Zach Kleiman and Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo back on June 25 at FedExForum in Memphis. Seeing Boozer out there now, as a key part of this dominant summer league lineup, is a glimpse of what’s to come for the Grizzlies. This isn’t just about individual development; it’s about these young guys gelling as a unit, learning to win together. This immediate success, fueled by players like Coward and Boozer, sends a powerful message. It shows that the vision from Kleiman and Iisalo is already starting to take shape on the court.
The Grizzlies are now one single victory away from hoisting that NBA Summer League title trophy. That’s a huge deal, and it’s been their goal all week long. They’re slated to go head-to-head against either the Lakers or the Warriors in the championship game. Mark your calendars, because that final showdown is going down on July 19 at 8 p.m. on ESPN. This isn’t just bragging rights; it’s a statement. Memphis is showing the entire league they’re coming with purpose, and this Summer League title would be a perfect way to cap off their impressive run. Get ready, because this final game is going to be electric!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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