The Minnesota Timberwolves summarily disposed of the Memphis Grizzlies 102-91 in a game that wasn't close until the fourth quarter. Minnesota got sterling games from a trio of stars: Randy Foye (28 points), Craig Smith (25 points), and Corey Brewer (18 points and 11 rebounds). The Grizzlies' Rudy Gay showed why many consider him one of the brightest young stars on the planet, scoring 26 points on just 15 shots. The Grizzlies finished Summer League at 2-3 while the 'Wolves are 3-1 with one game yet to play tomorrow.
The Detroit Pistons used a balanced attack to weather the storm of the Los Angeles Lakers and Javaris Crittenton, prevailing 84-81. Rodney Stuckey led Detroit with 19 points, but the real star of the game was forward Amir Johnson who netted 17 and grabbed 12 rebounds. Guard Sammy Mejia also had a fine game with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Crittenton was a one-man wrecking crew with 28 points including a three to tie the game late in the fourth. He did not have enough help as Brandon Gay was the only other Laker in double figures with 17. The Pistons finished the week 4-1, the Lakers 2-3.
The Washington Wizards got their first win this summer by downing the Cleveland Cavaliers 76-71. Nick Young led a balanced attack and Oleksiy Pecherov added some key late shooting for the Wizards. Playoff sensation Daniel Gibson paced the Cavaliers with 16. The Cavs finish the summer 2-3 while the Wizards are 1-3 with a game to play.
The Houston Rockets staged a massive second half rally to win a game that looked lost at the end of the second quarter. After letting the Sacramento Kings do anything they wished for two periods, Houston rode Aaron Brooks' 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists to victory. Nik Caner-Medley paced Sacramento with 18. Center Spencer Hawes again looked impressive on offense, but had a difficult time guarding the lane for the Kings. Sacramento sits at 2-2 after the loss while the Rockets are 3-1.
The New York Knicks edged past the Golden State Warriors 91-87 to remain undefeated so far this summer at 4-0. Every Knick starter scored in double figures led by Nate Robinson's 23 points. Last year's first round pick Renaldo Balkman scored 19 and gobbled up 12 rebounds. Five Warriors also scored in double figures led by Toby Bailey's 16. The Warriors finish Summer League with a 3-2 record.
Phoenix Suns guard D.J. Strawberry used a quick first step and an incredible array of finishes to score 27 points, but it wasn't enough as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated Phoenix 89-85. Strawberry had 8 assists and Alando Tucker added 18 points for the Suns. The Blazer attack was led by Taurean Green who shot 4-for-6 from long range and finished with 19 points. Journeyman pivot Zendon Hamilton added 16 for the Blazers. Both Portland and Phoenix are 1-3 in Summer League play with one day remaining.
