NBA Summer League Scores 2022: Complete Game Results and Top Performers Breakdown
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I remember sitting in the Thomas & Mack Center last summer, the desert heat giving way to the cool arena air, watching what many dismiss as meaningless exhibition games. Let me tell you something—the NBA Summer League is anything but meaningless. Having followed basketball professionally for over a decade, I've come to see these summer contests as the most honest basketball you'll find anywhere. The 2022 edition particularly stood out, not just for the usual rookie showcases, but for revealing patterns that would define the upcoming season. What struck me most was how international players dominated the conversation, reminding me of that Chilean volleyball star—the 28-year-old, 6-foot-8 defender from Santiago who played for Purdue Fort Wayne. That crossover between sports and nations fascinates me, and it was everywhere in Las Vegas last July.
The Portland Trail Blazers absolutely stole the show, and I'm not just saying that because I've always had a soft spot for underdog stories. Their 85-77 victory over the New York Knicks on July 8th showcased what summer basketball should be about—hungry players fighting for roster spots. Trendon Watford put up 21 points that game, and frankly, he looked like he belonged in the regular rotation right then and there. What many missed was the defensive intensity he brought, something that doesn't always show in box scores. Two days later, the Blazers edged past Detroit 81-78 in what I consider one of the most strategically interesting games of the entire summer league. The Pistons' Jaden Ivey dropped 20 points, but Portland's team defense in the final three minutes was textbook perfect.
I've always believed summer league performances predict regular season surprises, and Keegan Murray's showing for Sacramento confirmed this. The kid averaged 23.3 points through four games before sitting out the finale, and let me be clear—he was the most NBA-ready player I saw in Vegas. His 29-point outburst against Indiana on July 5th wasn't just impressive, it was dominant. The Kings have been searching for a reliable forward for years, and frankly, they might have found their answer. Meanwhile, the Paolo Banchero versus Jabari Smith Jr. matchup on July 7th lived up to the hype—Orlando's 91-84 win gave us glimpses of what both top picks could become. Banchero's 17 points and 6 rebounds showed his versatility, though I thought Smith's defensive instincts were more developed than many anticipated.
The championship game on July 17th saw Portland defeat New York 85-77, a scoreline that doesn't fully capture how dominant the Blazers were throughout the tournament. Brandon Williams poured in 22 points in the finale, capping what I consider the most consistent individual performance of the entire summer league. What impressed me beyond the scoring was his decision-making—only 2 turnovers in 28 minutes of high-pressure basketball. The Knicks' Feron Hunt deserves mention too—his 16 points and 9 rebounds nearly kept New York in it, but Portland's depth ultimately prevailed.
Looking back, the 2022 Summer League revealed several truths that became apparent during the regular season. The international influence continues to grow—much like that Chilean volleyball star making waves in American collegiate sports, we saw players from France, Serbia, and Australia impacting games significantly. The defensive intensity surprised me—these weren't the sloppy, offense-only exhibitions we sometimes see. Teams averaged just 82.3 points per game, a significant drop from the 2021 edition, showing coaches are taking these games more seriously than ever. Personally, I believe the Summer League has evolved from a casual showcase to essential viewing for anyone who wants to understand where the NBA is heading. The players who shone brightest in Vegas—Murray, Williams, Watford—all became rotation pieces for their teams, proving that what happens in summer doesn't always stay in summer.