Key Takeaways
- Yaxel Lendeborg (21 pts, 10 reb, 2 stl) was named MVP of the 2026 NBA Summer League championship game as the Golden State Warriors edged the Memphis Grizzlies 94‑90.
- The Warriors rallied from a 12‑point deficit in the fourth quarter, out‑rebounding the Grizzlies 50‑40 and scoring 52‑40 in the paint.
- Devion Smith contributed 21 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Cedric Coward and Cameron Boozer kept the Grizzlies competitive with strong all‑around performances.
- Earlier on the final day, the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108‑90, powered by Dion Brown’s triple‑double (16 pts, 10 reb, 11 ast) and John Ukomadu’s 23 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
- Denver’s Jahmi’us Ramsey capped his Summer League run with a perfect 9‑for‑9 shooting night (20 pts, 8 reb, 2 stl) to beat the Toronto Raptors 96‑89.
- The championship game featured several clutch moments: a late three‑pointer by Cedric Coward, a pivotal baseline three‑pointer by Lendeborg that put Golden State ahead 91‑87, and a missed potential go‑ahead three by Boozer that led to a free‑throw battle.
- Warriors coach Khalid Robinson praised the team’s culture and camaraderie, noting that the players “had each other’s backs.” Rick Barry presented the trophy to the Warriors, highlighting Lendeborg’s historic double (NCAA title and Summer League MVP in the same season).
The 2026 NBA Summer League concluded with a thrilling championship showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. After a tightly contested first half that ended tied at 47, the Grizzlies seized control in the third quarter, building a 12‑point lead thanks to Cameron Boozer’s efficient scoring and rebounding (16 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast) and timely three‑pointers. Boozer’s late‑quarter three extended Memphis’ advantage to 78‑66 heading into the final period, while Yaxel Lendeborg struggled early, picking up four fouls but still contributing defensively.
The Warriors, however, refused to yield. Led by Lendeborg’s resilience and a burst of offense from Devion Smith, Golden State began chipping away at the deficit. Smith’s 18 points and eight rebounds before the fourth quarter provided the spark, and Lendeborg found his rhythm in the final minutes. With 5:33 remaining, the Warriors trailed 82‑77, but a series of key plays shifted momentum. Lendeborg knocked down a left‑wing three‑pointer to make it 91‑87, then added a midrange jumper to extend the lead to four points. He finished the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals, scoring nine of his points in the fourth quarter, including the last seven for Golden State.
Cedric Coward kept the Grizzlies alive with a clutch three‑pointer from the left wing that cut the Warriors’ lead to 91‑90 with 1:19 left, setting up a dramatic finish. On the next possession, Boozer appeared to have a clean look at an above‑the‑break three, but the shot bounced off the left rim, forcing a free‑throw battle that Golden State ultimately won. The Warriors secured a 94‑90 victory, earning a 50‑40 rebounding advantage and a dominant 52‑40 edge in points in the paint.
Lendeborg’s performance earned him the game’s MVP award, making him the second player in history (after Tyus Jones in 2015) to win both an NCAA men’s basketball title and the NBA Summer League championship in the same season. Warriors coach Khalid Robinson praised the team’s culture, emphasizing the players’ mutual support and collective effort. Rick Barry, a Warriors legend, presented the Summer League trophy to the squad, underscoring the significance of the win for the franchise’s young core.
Earlier on the same day, the Brooklyn Nets wrapped up their Summer League campaign with a convincing 108‑90 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dion Brown recorded a triple‑double (16 pts, 10 reb, 11 ast) and was instrumental in leading seven double‑figure scorers for Brooklyn. John Ukomadu added 23 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, while the Nets shot 51.9 % from the field. The Thunder, led by Steven Ashworth’s 22 points and four three‑pointers, finished the summer winless.
In the other daytime contest, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Toronto Raptors 96‑89. Jahmi’us Ramsey delivered a flawless shooting performance, going 9‑for‑9 from the field for 20 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Denver’s balanced attack, highlighted by a 30‑20 third‑quarter run, proved too much for Toronto, whose top scorer was Nimari Bennett with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Overall, the final day of the 2026 NBA Summer League showcased emerging talent, veteran leadership, and high‑stakes competition. The Warriors’ championship triumph, anchored by Lendeborg’s MVP performance and a resilient fourth‑quarter rally, highlighted the depth and cohesion of Golden State’s summer squad. Meanwhile, the Nets’ commanding win over the Thunder and the Nuggets’ perfect‑shooting victory over the Raptors underscored the league’s role as a proving ground for the next generation of NBA players. The event concluded with celebrations, trophy presentations, and a clear sense of anticipation for how these summer performances will translate into the upcoming regular season.