The Las Vegas Summer League semifinals saw the Golden State Warriors edge past the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, earning a spot in the championship game. The Memphis Grizzlies entered the final with a 4-1 record, having rebounded from an early loss to post victories over the Warriors, the Hawks and the Rockets. Their margins of victory, 21 points over Golden State, 32 over Atlanta and 11 over Houston, underscore a dominant run.
Memphis’ most emphatic win came when the Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 106-85, a game defined by 17 made three-pointers and 16 turnovers. The 21-point cushion not only highlighted the team’s ability to stretch the floor but also exposed the Warriors’ defensive lapses. That performance cemented Memphis as the clear favorite heading into the title game.
Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick, contributed 12 points and seven rebounds in the 106-85 victory over Golden State. He followed that effort with another 12-point, 12-rebound line in the semifinals, despite shooting only 3-of-13 from the field. Boozer’s production, while not overwhelming every box score, has been a key piece of the Grizzlies’ front-court balance and helped propel the squad into the championship.
Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 overall pick, rebounded from a difficult three-point night (1-of-9) to record 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal against the Lakers in the semifinals. After the game he said, “Yeah, absolutely. I’m always gonna circle that matchup... I’m excited to see him again, and hopefully we can get on the winning side.” Lendeborg’s willingness to match up against Boozer and his defensive intensity have become a focal point of the Grizzlies’ identity.
The Warriors enter the final as underdogs, looking to capture their first Las Vegas Summer League championship since 2013. To upset Memphis, Golden State will need to limit the Grizzlies’ three-point output and force turnovers, areas where the Warriors struggled in their previous meeting. Defensive adjustments that contain Boozer’s interior presence and limit Lendeborg’s versatility will be essential.
While Memphis holds the statistical edge, the championship game offers the Warriors a chance to prove their depth and resilience. If Golden State can tighten its perimeter defense and capitalize on transition opportunities, the final could be tighter than the prior 21-point margin suggests. Ultimately, the contest will likely hinge on which young star can impose his will, Boozer’s inside game or Lendeborg’s two-way play.
