Dallas Mavericks vs Orlando Magic Full Game Jul 18 2025 | NBA 2K26 Summer League Today
I am JB Long. Hope you’re having a great day. Thank you for spending part of it with us. This is of course an event that began with the the debut of Cooper Flag, the number one pick in the most recent draft. After two games, the Mavs shut him down, but how did this prepare him for what’s to come in the league? Well, one, they saw all they needed to see. And again, you saw his ball handling skills. They put him in more of a playmaking position that, you know, they’re going to need to start their season with Kyrie out to his size, getting to his mid-range. That’s where he’s going to be special. just posting up smaller guards when you try to go small because I think he’ll play more point than people are thinking and he has that type of skill set. You couldn’t ask for a better situation for any pick, let alone the number one pick to fall into the Dallas Mavericks with the roster that they already have assembled. I think this puts Dallas Mavericks at championship level right now, day one, and that’s not always the case when you get the number one pick. He’ll sit, so will Ryan Nemhard, and that means Miles Kelly will carry the scoring load. 21 points last time out. I’m a huge fan of Miles Kelly. He’s a sharp shooter. Shot it well in his entire career behind the three-point line, but he has positional size. If he can continue to play harder on the defensive end of the floor, he’s a secondary ball handicate offense. I expect him to have a huge game here today. Increase his opportunity to land on Magic also resting some key draft picks including Tristan Dilva from last year, Jace Richardson, and Noah Penda, their rookies. And so Wendell Moore Jr. will be featured. He’s got 90 games of NBA experience. He does. Firmer former first round draft pick. I mean, I expect him to play a big game. Really is an off guard. Working on developing his outside shot, but really good. Played a lot of point guard in college as well. Really good ball handling decision maker and often time he guards the best player on the other team. Expect him to continue to do that as he tries to establish himself in the NBA. Wendell joined in the starting lineup with Jaylen Crutcher, Ethan Thompson, Nate Santos, and Scott Levisier for the Orlando Magic. They’ll go up against the Dallas Mavericks with Miles Kelly joined by Jaron Sharp, Maxwell Lewis, Jordan Hall, Matt Cross. Lewis scored 23 to pace the Mavs last time out. Last chance to make a good impression here in Las Vegas as we settle into Thomas and Mack. There’s a few days left. The semifinal set. These are consolation games today, including this one between the Magic and the Mavs. Javar Kinsley, Eric Ellig, and Lars Murray are our officials. Josh Brockhammer entering his third season as Maverick’s assistant, leading the Mavs in this Las Vegas summer league. And Amir Bahur is his counterpart with the Orlando Magic. We’ll throw it up again and restart this finale. 7 foot five sharp in the center circle. I can’t imagine the last time he’s lost a T. Jordan Hall gets the first possession. Maxwell Lewis off the bounce here. He scored 23 to pace the Mavs last time out. Deflection in the pass. Now he’s got numbers. Cruncher gets a deflection. Six left on the opening possession for Dallas. Defense strong early. Wend Moore nearly in the passing lane creating a steal. Short clock for Hall. Separates and scores off the glass. Hall playing in his fourth summer league. He’s been here with the Spurs, the Nets, and the Pelicans prior. Using his wingspan there trying to post up early on the baseline out of bounds. Ethan Thompson step back triple. Weak side rebound secured by Sharp. That’s what we talked about as well in the open. You see Miles Kelly playing a little point. He offers that opportunity. He’s a really good ball handling and decision maker with the basketball even though he’s known as a great shooter. Vier rescreening for Crutcher. Single digits on the timer as he drives the lane. puts it up top to his big Santos off one foot. Had it deflected, blocked. Paul got a hand on it. Here’s Lewis spotting the shooter in transition. Good action from the Mavericks in the early going. Miles Kelly from distance. He’ll knock down a high percentage of those shots actually starting tonight rather and this year proved he could be effective coming off the bench. That’s not always the case. This is not an easy thing to do when you’ve been a career starter playing for the Auburn Tigers and we talked about that great year that they had his ability to be effective off the bench opened a lot of eyes to the NBA. Jordan Hall looking to continue the mad start. Kick to the corner and a three miss by Matt Cross who went undrafted after playing at four colleges. Santos running in transition. Hangs but could not hit. The put back is good. Wendel Moore Jr. [Music] Hall using his shot fake up top and the throw down. Jamaran Sharp. Sharp finish that time. Just playing off his guards. He knows his role. Standing back and drop coverage. Stand between the ball and the basket. Altering shots, the veteran Labier. Extra possession here for Ethan Thompson and the Magic. Wow. Challenging the sevenfooter. That one brought rain. Yeah, that’s a difficult shot. You got to shoot it over that wingspane there. Great teardrop showing the touch. Good fluid action here in these first three minutes between the Mavericks and the Magic. Blow. Santos defending in the corner and still Dallas pours in another three. Maxwell Lewis at 6’7. He can score it that time. Sizing the defender up. Creating space with the jab. Chef can’t back up on him. Crutcher off the screen. Can’t answer. One and done for the Magic. Kelly to the corner. Hall this time. An empty trip for the Magic on the counter. Nice pace and rhythm to the game for both teams right now. Able to get into their actions, execute. Nice ball movement. Nice shot. Nate Santos, a Dayton product. Or is it good offense or is it early? Too early in the morning to be playing defense. We haven’t decided that quite yet. I’m just going to say it’s good offense. Either way, glass half full. Wendell Moore Jr. saw a matchup he liked and attacked it baseline. Great job there. You drive against it big using the rim for protection so the shot doesn’t get blocked. Expect Wend Moore to prove he’s an NBA prospect. Continue to play well. Kelly trying to find the target. Hit the rim instead on that lob to Sharp for Junior to Thompson in front of his bench. Battle for the board. Last touch by Santos. That’s about the only thing that stopped our first segments. The Mavericks and the Magic out and running early. [Music] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Welcome back to Summer Leaves Mavs and the Magic in Summer League. And you’re taking a look at Scalla Viscier, 28th pick in the 2016 NBA draft. You heard that right. That’s about a decade ago. He was drafted into the NBA and still playing at summer league. He is one of the most tenured guys at summer league you’ll see there’s actually three players that have more experience than him. He’s played five years in the NBA. And although he’s been questioned about why he’s come back to playing summer league after seeing the league, he’s unfased by people’s surprise, saying, quote, “I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I know why I’m here, why I play the game.” And that his faith has allowed him to let go of his performance mentality. Look here, he’s fresh off of a G-League championship last season in the G-League. and five he had a 5-year drought seen the NBA so he saw four games with Sacramento last season now back on a hunt to fulfill his childhood dreams he’s using his strength and perseverance from his childhood something he learned after surviving an earthquake in 2010 that his house collapsed on his family and he wasn’t able to walk for a few weeks so if there’s anyone who knows a little bit about fighting is scout yeah the Haitian thank you very much Diana Hearn reporting back at the table with Randolph children JB long on this ninth day of summer league Dallas with an early 108 lead and Miles Kelly heading to the foul line. It’s great story about Scout. I mean, his perseverance, I mean, just continue to fight and continue to chase his dream, you know? I mean, a guy like him and his size and his skill set could possibly go abroad. He’s determined to try to fulfill his dream and destiny of getting to the NBA, you got to commend him for it. Kelly connects again at the line. The 22y old at 6’6 signed a two-way with the Dallas Mavericks. Was once labeled the best dressed athlete in college basketball. I bet you he voted for himself on that one. Ethan Thompson dressed to impress but no bucket. Kelly rocks the dribble gives to Matthew Cleveland making his first appearance and then to Kyler Kelly on the block but a whistle below. Matthew Cleveland really deceptively quick in that first step. Takes a lot of floaters and runners off balance. And as you can see here he draws he tends to draws a lot of contact and foul. Summer League continues on NBA TV, ESPN, and the ESPN app. Tonight, you can see the 76ers and the Nets. Next here on NBA TV, plus the Pacers and the Pelicans, 9 Eastern over on ESPN. Then tomorrow, the semifinals are on ESPN. Kings and Raptors first at 4 Eastern and then at 6, the Hornets and the Thunder. We saw the Raptors last night in person. Their defense is lethal. Unreal. Playing the largest uh point difference in summer league. They are relentless. They don’t worry about offense. They just complete compete defensively entire game. That’s Jaden Aikens off the Orlando Magic bench. Who is Jace Richardson’s college teammate. Richardson not playing here today, but we’re looking forward to speaking with him a little bit later on in the show. Williams in the game. He turns it over after that rebound. Good anticipation from Hall running the lane with the left. Matthew Cleveland. Again, if you can get Matthew Cleveland in transition, his ability to finish around the rim and his athleticism, catching on the move, you can really make quick decisions, change directions. You saw a bunch of him in the ACC, didn’t you? Did I Miami? I did. Got to learn how to impact winning, doing all the little things. Your role changes. Guys aren’t asked to score in this league. He’s not going to be the big time offensive weapon that he was in college. Just got to learn how to defend at a high level and you want to make any of these rosters, you got to do so. Kelly can’t connect. Offensive rebound. Cece earns a trip to the line. Musa Cece, 22 years old at 6’1. Just diving, just catching it, driving it again, switching hands in and air, avoiding a attempted block by Wendle Moore Jr. Crush to Marco on Matthew Cleveland was his ability to shoot the basketball. Well, he answered a lot of that last year, shooting over 38% from the floor. Nearly 18 points per game in his final ACC season to get honorable mention recognition. What you want to see out of guys like that, like even he and Kelly, you want them, they need to be versatile defenders at that size. Won’t be relied upon as much for offensive opportunities. Just take advantage of the ones you get. really need him to step up defensively. Saw Nolan Hickman checking into the game there. A Gonzaga teammate of Nemhar. Three minutes to go in our opening frame. Zoo Phelps in defensively as well for Dallas picking up the ball here. She’s also teammates for someone else. I won’t I won’t spoil it for you. We’re We’re going to get to that. Are you talking Timmy already? Yeah. No, not yet. Not yet. I will not steal your thunder, my friend. Hopeful for later on NBA TV. more off the mark. Gabe Mclothin reels in a rebound. This is Phelps undrafted out of Texas A&M. Dallas attacking off the bounce. Not this time for Matthew Cleveland. He turns it over. John El Davis on the move. Williams makes the extra pass to the corner and they connect for three. Jaden Akins. Good sign by Ak is off to a quick start. First made three for the Magic. Cay up to screen for Phelps who turns down the triple. Pickman surveying. Eight left on the timer. Put in the hands of Cleveland. See what he can create. Back to the former Zag. Has to be now. Missed it all. Well defended by the Magic. Time out of the floor here in Las Vegas. 147 left in the opening frame. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Well, Randolph, I’m guessing many Mavericks fans would prefer not to look back, but we take a look at their 24-25 season and how quickly ly fortunes have turned as this applies to the year ahead. I don’t know if there’s any ball club that went through such an emotional roller coaster the Mavericks went through a year ago from losing Luca Doners and getting Anthony Davis back and still feeling really good about their depth and then the injuries. I mean the injuries and the games they missed. You saw the total 363 games. I mean they had limited bodies. They were almost unable to dress to complete an NBA game. I think if I had any a body to play, I might have got to call up and kind of got a 10day to get some shots up and that I mean they were calling around. I mean trying to pulling up everybody from GLeague. I mean it’s just a devastating situation to be in coming off the trade. Then fortunate it’s changed with the one bounce of the ball. That’s right. Cooper flag now in their facility in bubble wrap after two games here in Las Vegas and looking ahead to training camp. Kyler Kelly could not elevate for that lob from Wend Del Moore Jr. It’s gonna be tough to complete that lob over Sharp and his length and wingspan. And talking about the Mavericks, I mean, it’s just such a fascinating story. You know, as talented as Cooper flag is, I don’t know if you can get into a more tailor made situation. Dolan Hickman laces a three. Elaborate, say more on that. I I think it’s you’re talking about I teased a friend of mine. I teased Tim Duncan about that saying that’s the best situation the number one draft pick has been in since he’s been drafted. I mean you’re without him I think this is a championship caliber team with him. I think it slows down the recovery of needing Kyrie Irving to come back a little faster than now the matchup you’re going to present. I think you saw it in summer league. Keep the flag running in a point because he’s a guy he he doesn’t want to hang on a perimeter. He will punish smaller guards than Mitchell. Kyler Kelly with an Is that a pass or a shot is what I might I’ll let you call that. Yes. John El Davis I think anticipating the lob. Kelly didn’t see it but he’s rewarded with a contention and one here. Randolph Childers with us is number 22 retired by Wake Forest. I thought that was a welltimed name drop by you. very appropriate in terms of dealing with the uh emotions and the weight of being the number one pick. Yeah, it’s it’s it’s a lot that comes with that and but he gets to come into a situation with a bunch of veteran guys and when fully healthy he’s what the third option on that team and and oh by the way there’s a future Hall of Famer Thompson on the roster as well who’s not too shabby [Music] or still has it gives it up to Akens deep in the clock had to hoist and they give it over to Dallas with 4.2 Two left in the first. Orlando has not seen the lead in this opening quarter. Average by as many as seven and they should get the last. Bring Zurich Phelps over to the hash to inbounds. See what they can get with less than 5 seconds remaining. Plenty of time to get coast to coast if you need to get a pretty good shot. Lucky he didn’t turn it over there. John El Davis almost got the closing shot. Su Phelps will gain some ground and try it again. Another deflection by Davis Akins. That’ll count, but it graces front iron. So, a four-point lead for the Dallas Mavericks after one. They led by as many as seven with Miles Kelly leading the way. [Music] [Music] Don’t [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] How do you keep the team focused when you’re almost done with everything? I mean, we trying to win games. I think that’s the main goal of basketball is trying to come out here and compete and show people what you can do. And um regardless of what type of game it is, everybody got to come and bring their toughness, bring their hard ass, and be ready to win. And you specifically two-way player, you want undrafted, then you get that contract. How do you want to finish out your summer league play? I mean, on on a great note, like I said, we got to come out, get this win, and you want to show people what you can do. Um and bring your hard hats, come ready to win. I think that’s what we’re doing today. All right. Thank you. Appreciate Janna. Then Sharp gets a block to begin our second frame with his Mavericks leading. whistle as Jordan Hall drove the baseline and the Mavs looking for their second win before they head back to Dallas. Orlando trying to salvage a victory here in the Vegas finale for the Magic. Sharpers are making life difficult inside that paint trying to score over his length. Becoming a problem for the Magic. Back another foul on John El Davis who finished his career at Arkansas after four years at FAU. So after a fluid first quarter, a choppy start to the second. The guys have cooled off a little bit. I think some of that is too. The defense is starting to pick up. Sharp is starting to be really effective in the paint and zips. A fast ball through a couple of hands and out off Dallas. He’s got to put some air onto that. That’ll be a very hard pass to complete at any level trying to throw it through the defense. Got to put a little air under that. Zack Freeman in the game working with Akens. Hits the brakes in the lane. Spots Davis. He spotted sharp on that saying not no. He’s determining shots without even having the block. Now Freeman takes three instead. Now that is exactly what Fremont can do. He can space the floor. That’s what he’s in there for. He’s playing at stretch five right now. Now it’s going to open up the paint. Allow drive and opportunity. Sharp’s going to have to get out there. All big east at Xavier. Hall has the answer. Paul’s a player now to score. Knocked down a couple of field goals. Four points. Pretty move, but no finish there. Mandis Williams. Williams plays that big guard spot. If you double team him in the post, he’s an elite pass with the basketball. Working on that range on that jump shot, but he has vision and ability to snatch the ball like that in transition. Hit ahead to Davis who brings the whistle as Miles Kelly recovered defensively. Freeman has to decide, I don’t want to post you up, but I’ll get out here and knock down some threes for you big fell. You got to come guard me here on the defensive end of the floor. I’m surprised to see him switch, but Hall says, “No, you used to guard bigs, not out here dancing with the guards.” Shoots the mid-range on him. And so John El Davis to the line. In his final season at FAU, he was the 2024 AAC co-player of the year. Part of Dusty May’s 23 Final Four team with Elijah Martin 2 to San Diego State on that Lamont Butler buzzer beater. Had a lot of expectations on when we went to Arkansas and struggled early in the year when Boogie Flan went down and his role was expanded. I thought he was a big part of Arkansas kind of having a run there to the NCAA tournament, playing as well as anyone when they got to the dance. Maxwell Lewis, originally from Las Vegas, playing summer league back in his hometown. Freemantle again. Too strong. Aens has the long board now. now attacks a close out to put a little extra altitude on that one to get it over Sharp who doesn’t get a block but again made a miss now Lewis two feet in the lane playing off two feet to finish that’s a great possession there by Moses Cay there [Music] you want to see both teams competing on both ends of the floor right now [Music] are you. [Music] Hey [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey [Music] [Music] baby. [Music] [Music] Ryan Dehart here at Courtzside. How are you? And how’s been uh your Las Vegas experience? It’s been great, man. It’s been great. I’m doing well. Uh enjoying being out here, enjoying competing and uh being around this squad, man. We got a good group of guys over here, so it’s been good. How’s your experience been from just this entire process? How’s your approach been? How do you handle it? It’s been good, man. I’ve been just trying to approach it every single day um with that with that mentality that you got to prove what you could do. So, I’ve been out here trying to show these teams what I could do. Trying to show this organization what I could do and um it’s been it’s been fun. What’s it like to be in street clothes and be a spectator as this winds down? Uh it’s it’s it’s cool, man. It’s it’s cool. Obviously want to be out there competing with the guys, but uh it’s always fun to watch them support these guys, give them a little bit of energy from the bench. So, um, it’s fun. It’s always good to be in the company of the number one draft pick, right? Yeah, for sure. You and Cooper resting and watching. A lot of eyes on us. Um, and he’s a great dude, you know, he’s he’s been so good for us so far. Um, comes in super selfless, just trying to win every single day, trying to get everybody better, and, um, he’s he’s he’s a joy to be around. How much have your brother helped your Andrew help your development and your game and your growth? Yeah, he’s helped a lot. You know, he’s always been someone I’ve looked up to since I was a kid. always could uh pick his brain and he gives me all the little things that people don’t see. So, um it’s fun being able to have him around and give me those little uh keys to to to being successful. Well, you don’t have to be so nice about it cuz he took a little shot at you saying he could get at you. You know, he always dominate. You’ve never beat him. I want to give you a chance to clear all the air up with that. Yeah, that’s Kevin. I beat him. I beat him a few times. Okay. He’s won the majority, but uh I’ve got him a few times. We don’t want to beat Debbie Downer with his finals run. Congratulations. Little bro had hat. Exactly. How about the Gonzaga program and how you feel like your time there prepared you for the next step you’re trying to take? Yeah, I think it was one of the best decisions I made. You know, Coach F and the staff were there. They really prepare you to be a pro. Um give you a lot of autonomy to figure out your schedule and figure out how you’re going to get your things done and um uh it was a great decision for me and um I’m a Zag for life and that’s that’s something that that’ll be a part of me forever. What’s your big emphasis on your game that you feel as though you have to improve on as you start to establish your NBA career? Yeah, I think I think there’s just a bunch of things I got to continue to to get better. Obviously, uh with my size, just being able to be a pest on defense, getting to guys, make it tough on guys quarter and being able to switch on bigger guys and make it tough. Um as well as just overall offensive game, being able to score the rock when when teams play me from my past and um be that uh leader in the floor general for the squad. there’s been a wave of players not only from Canada but specifically from the Toronto area. Wonder if you can speak to your roots and uh the grassroots uh movement in that area that’s really produced top college and NBA town. Yeah, I think it’s just a bunch of competitive guys over there. Bunch of guys that that that love hoops and love to compete. So, we’re all in the same kind of area. We’ve been playing against each other since we were little kids and um I think it just builds character and builds a builds a community out there. How have you managed the expectations now? you’re coming into a situation here, you and Cooper, where there’s a ton of expectations within this organization. I mean, I I know they do a really good job right now protecting you guys from that, but once you get closer and closer to the season, it’s just it is what it is. How do you feel you guys will adapt to that? Yeah, honestly, I think there’s more pressure on all the older guys and guys that have been in that that that program for a while now. Um, I’m just getting in here. I’m undrafted, so I’m just looking to compete every single day. Um, I’m blessed with this opportunity. I’m going to go in there, try to compete and try to show these guys what I could do and what I could bring to the table and how I could uh impact winning. So, no pressure on me. If you were to go back in college, what would you tell your younger self right now? What you’ve learned through your experience right now in your free time? Yeah, I would say just just uh stay processoriented, you know, get better every single day. Um and uh it might not always go your way, but you’ll figure it out. You you’ll fight through and you you’ll get it done eventually. Ryan, any interfacing with Jason Kit so far and did that make an impression on you? Uh, not much. Talked to him a little bit, but um, obviously a great alltime player. Um, my brother definitely looked up to him when he was a kid. So, uh, someone I I’m looking forward to learning from, looking forward to picking his brain and, um, getting all the gems that I can get from him. It’s a great situation for you to get into, learn this league and and outstanding organization. I mean, it’s a really good fit transition for you to have a successful career to get your career going. Absolutely. Absolutely. I think there’s a bunch of good vets over here that could uh give me a lot of wisdom in the game. They’ve been around it. They’ve been allstars. They’ve been uh played in finals. So, bunch of people I could learn from. Bunch of people I could gain wisdom from. And um I’m excited to learn and and take it all in. Who’ you grow up rooting for or admiring? Do you have any fandom? Any fandom? Um growing up, I love that little OKC team with KD and Russ and all those guys. And uh it’s fun to watch those guys for sure. Randolph is hoping to hear his name drop there before your time. Too long. What’s next? How do you bridge the gap between when we’ll see you next and now? Yeah, take some time off, relax. You know, it’s been a long process season, whole draft process. Uh definitely got to get some rest in and then, you know, get get stronger, get back to work, and uh get ready for training camp. So, I’m looking forward to it. Could you speak to that a little bit more, too? Cuz people don’t understand the process to now. I mean, from the time the season ends, you guys are preparing for the draft and whether you get drafted or not, then you’re undrafted, then you summer league and everything like that’s an exhausting process. Speak into that how your process went, how you felt about it. For sure. Absolutely. You have the whole season that goes on for a long time, and then you don’t really get time to rest. You got to get back to in the gym, get ready for these workouts, which are tough. You’re flying from city to city, get in late night, you have to be ready to go in the morning and compete. Um, so it’s tough. It’s been a long journey. Um, it’s been fun, but it’s been tough. So, I’m excited to get a week, two weeks off and relax, play some. What does RNR look like? What does vacation look like for Ryan Nemhar? Might go overseas with my brother, take a little trip, Greece, France, something like that. So, it’s good having a brother in the NBA. That’s the perks, huh? For sure. He had a long season, too, didn’t he? He probably deserves some time off. Definitely needs a couple couple weeks to just relax, kick back. Well, have you been impressed with with your teammates that you’ve seen so far? Yeah. Um, I really like Miles Kelly, you know, I think he can really shoot it. Um, super aggressive. Obviously had a great year at Auburn, but uh, just a great player. I had him in a bunch of my workouts and I was I was happy to see him out here with me. Uh, Jordan Hall, too. Big guard, really great passes, score it. Um, and a floor general out there. So, um, I’m enjoying watching. I hope we can pull out the dub tonight. You know, that guy that just hit a three, too. Who’s that? Dolan. Yeah. Yeah. My dog. Dolan is my man, man. You know, it’s my backcourt man. Um, been at it for two years with him. I love that guy. Uh, super fun play with him. So, uh, happy he’s out here with me. Dallas up big here. They’ve not relinquished this lead. [Music] Tell you, he played for one of the great alltime coaches in Mark F. Tell me the impact that he had on. Yeah, I think I think the impact he had on me was more just off the court, right? How humble he is. Um, how he approaches every single day. He’s he’s not too big on boasting himself up and making it all about him. He’s about the team and everyone else. So, uh it was a pleasure to play for a Hall of Famer. I love that guy. Travel safe. Enjoy Europe. Appreciate your time. [Music] of type. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] baseline that they’re starting from from last season. You got to like first let’s start with Pauline Carol. They got him locked up. What a stud. I mean what he is and big time player and an all-star. But you got to like we talked about it with Desmond Bane coming in and also don’t Tyus Jones. I mean getting him in as a point guard as well. They seem to have for Jaylen Sug. They’ve got their perimeter locked up and Wagner signed back for a year. I think this is the highest expectations that the Magic have had in quite some time with back-to-back playoff experience. They’re ready to take the next step. Jones the free agent signing from Phoenix, former first round pick. Going to chip away at the Dallas lead here in the opening half of the Vegas finale here at summer league for both these programs. Orlando finished strong, too. Almost like catapulting themselves into the playoffs and into this offseason. 10 of 14 down the stretch. Pickman made a three while his Zach’s teammate was on the headset with us, but missing here. Like so many teams, I just think for the magic, it’s just health as well. I mean, can they can they take enough step? Can they challenge the Knicks? Can they challenge Cleveland? Whether it’s Vancero, Vagner, Suggs, they couldn’t get on the court together, right? Getting that trio together. I feel like that’s the refrain we’re talking about with so many of these teams, particularly in the Eastern Conference. Great move here again, Wendell Moore Jr. just able to get in the air, hang in the air, take the contact, and finish. Taking the scoring lead with a chance to get to double figures here. This team still down 10. Got to tell you my story with this young man. Please do. Recruit recruited him in high school again. He’s down Concord, not far, just outside Charlotte. I have never had a kid that’s on an official visit at another school text me and wishing me happy birthday. His mom is calling my wife and we’re talking and while he’s on his official visit at Duke, he calls me and wishing me happy birthday. I’m thinking, “Oh man, we’re going to get this kid.” So he has his press conference. He takes out his hat. He has a couple of hats on the table and we’re sitting there thinking there’s no, you know, he’s coming to Wake Forest. He flips over that Duke hat and I was sick. I mean, sick. Thinking like, man, this unbelievable kid family. I’m cheering for him, but he broke my heart trying to get him to pick your alma mater. Yeah, I did. I tried to get him. Do you have a chance to revisit that story with him at any point? No, just let it go. I just let it go. I just let it go. But I told him afterwards though, you hurt my heart. But no, he just tells you the quality of game. He’s always stayed in contact with us and he’s just a special young man and I’m cheering for him. Hoping he can resurrect his career here. He’s off to a good start here. Aloo Diara with some rare burn and a bucket at the other end. Tipped in. Or was it? Levisier with a violation. Levisier mis timed his jump there. Great pass. You know, if you play with Alandis Williams, he’s always looking to pass the basketball and got to be able to collect and finish that one. Even if you don’t have to dunk it, just put it off the glass. Jaylen Crutcher with the reach there. Call a foul on his birthday. I know that’s tough. Officials got to let him slide on that one, right? newly minted 26-y old had a strong showing as part of the starting lineup on Wednesday for these Magic. 14 points, three assists, couple steals. How about Kelly? He’s really taking on the the point guard responsibilities for this Magic and not just, you know, TV timeout. I mean, he’s doing it the entire game, but I know he had really good ball handling skills for for a guard, but seeing him run the team is something he’s just showing you with his size and his position flexibility. Signed a 2-way with Dallas, undrafted out of Auburn. Played with Janai Broom, who’s next here on NBA TV. Final minutes of our opening half. More off the mark. Nolan Hickman will board it and bring it for Dallas. Kelly off the ball. Fake. Thought about three. Now does get it to the corner. Matthew Cleveland pushes back to the basket. Turns on Moore. Rejected by Levisier. Crusher leads the break. Moore tease up a three. Could knock it down in transition. Offensive rebound and put back also missed. Starting to see some of the things that these guys need to work on from Moore. You won’t get an open look like that very often. You got to knock those down for the BC air. You got to finish to get the ball that close to the rim. 5 seconds between the clocks as Miles Kelly operates from distance. Eight left. Hickman checks his toes and strikes a three. Kelly on the quick turnover has time to tack on just across midcourt and they’ll go to the locker room up 4832 expanding their largest lead. Strong staff, strong half there by the Mavericks extending their lead in the second quarter. Back in Las Vegas and welcome back to the NBA 2K26 Summer League. Today’s the fifth game and the finale for the Dallas Mavericks and the Orlando Magic with Mavericks leading the entire way holding their largest lead at the break of 16. Randolph and JB with you. Hope you’re having a great day. Thanks for hanging out with us this afternoon. Always feels good to get out of dodge with a win. That’s what Dallas is trying to do here in these and they’re doing a really good job of just moving the basketball. Everybody’s chipping in and figuring their way and finding a way scoring. The Magic is just struggling to get anyone else involved in the game on the offensive end of the floor besides Wend Moore Jr. But Lewis is off to a really good start getting to his spot, driving it, and Lis Williams has been really aggressive, but unable to knock down shots. And his skill set is really as a passer, but they’ve just struggled from behind the three-point line. Only four of 19 in the first half. Someone has got to get it going here. Part of it is the talent drain, right, as they sit their drafted trio of Jace Richardson, Noenda, and Tristan Dilva today in game five of summer league. See who else can shine with two quarters to go. BC air on a handoff. Jaylen Crutcher, the birthday boy, finds Ethan Thompson. Rattles a three. That’s the start that Orlando wanted. Great design play coming out of the halftime. Jordan Hall had a good first two quarters. leaves it on the iron. Cylinder violation. Now we’re going the other way. De’ar 6′ n getting airborne. All right. So, they’ll challenge and we’ll give you the outcome on the other side. [Music] Hey. [Music] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] coming off the basket. Therefore, we have a successful field goal. Orlando will retain ball from on the baseline and we resume play from there. All right, from the other side of the floor in that mic, we’d like to introduce our next guest, Jace Richardson, over here at the table with us. Great to uh sit down with you. Tell us about your week so far in Las Vegas. Uh it’s been a fun experience. So, get to play different guys that I’ve played on the circuit and in college and, you know, just getting better with these guys. We talked to Ryan Nhard early as an undrafted free agent. You’re a first round draft picking. How was your process leading up to the draft? Uh, super super difficult. Um, just, you know, getting work with new guys, trying to get everybody accustomed to it, and um just a lot of hard work um showing that I can, you know, guard at different levels, different guys, and I’m able to handle the physicality. Read in a couple of different places that you may have been the best fit outside of the lottery for any team in the NBA. Does that resonate with you and if so why? Oh, most definitely. I think um Orlando was really a spot for me where I felt like I could be myself. Um a lot of great people uh in the organization and a lot of people I can learn from. Growing up with a famous dad, following his footsteps even in college decision. Let’s talk about that and his influence on the impact on your basketball career. Uh he’s been such a big help for me. Um I really call him my my blueprint. Um because he’s got to where I want to be at. So definitely taking any advice I can from him and then just going into Michigan State, I already knew I where I was going into with Coach Iso and you know the toughness that goes into that. So kind of felt like I was already kind of laid out for that. What are some of your fondest memories from East Lancing? Man, there’s so there’s so many. I think um one that really sticks out senior night for me. Um such a fun experience to play with those guys on our last night and you know atmosphere was amazing. We’re playing Michigan, so you know how rivalry games get, but it was super enjoyable and super great experience. Let’s take our audience behind the scenes. This was up on the concourse the other night, taking some time out of your day to throw a few lefty autographs down, huh? Yeah, I mean, I I lived here for 3 years, so always coming back here. It’s so fun to play here, see people that I went to high school with. So, it’s always a great experience being back in Vegas. Playing for Tom, though, and I’m on record saying he is my current he’s my favorite college coach there. How did playing for him prepare you? Because some people get him wrong. I think his toughness, he really loves you guys hard. He coaches you hard, but he love you hard is what I like to say. And talk about his impact on you as a person and a player. Oh, his impact is huge on me. Um, I think one of the biggest things is that he really cares about us more as people than we are as players. And that’s always kind of resonated with me. And just, you know, how he’s treated me and my family throughout this process. He’s I mean, he’s always been by my side. I mean, he was here a couple days ago for the game. So, just having him as a support system now is super huge. And then just playing for him, I felt like I learned a lot, especially film watching. He’s big on film watching. So, I think that’s one thing I really took from him. Resting today, obviously, but I’m impressed with how poised and how fresh you look. It’s been an exhausting gauntlet for you, hasn’t it? The college season ended. Most definitely. Um, you know, going through the pre-draft, it was a lot of tough tough workouts. And then, you know, coming in here, played a couple tough games against a couple uh guards that really defended really well. I really really felt like it helped me. anything that maybe you didn’t know that jumped out at you in terms of that process and what you learned? Just the pace. Um I think the first game I was a little bit winded in that first game. I’m not I’m not used to the NBA pace quite yet, but um I think that pace at first took me a while to get used to, but then once I started getting throughout the game, I started feeling it and start um you know getting better with it. Is there any phase of the game outside the pace that you know, hey, I got a lot of work to do to catch up with these guys as you in my transition from college? Uh definitely just physicality. Um, I think physicality is going to be a big point for me, especially being a smaller guard in the league. Um, you always want to be physical and show that you can defend at um, different levels and uh, bigger guys. So, just showing I can do that. You’re used to winning, right? You have the expectation of winning. When you read Press Clippians, when you watch TV and you hear the way people are talking about the Orlando Magic and the opportunity they have in the East this year, what does that mean to you and how does that motivate your prep for your rookie year? I mean, it means a lot when you’re going to a team that’s possibly contending for a championship. Um, you want to do anything you can to help, whether that’s being on the floor or being off the floor and being a great teammate. So, just coming in being a great person, being a great teammate, and you know, just supporting my guys. How would your you have you been told yet how your role is going to be? Is it going to be primary on the ball? It’ll be a combination of both or off the ball. How do you anticipate your rookie year going? uh just any way I can help. But in my mind, uh possibly being on the ball, you know, being being a playmaker that I can be and then also playing off of it. I feel like I [Music] Hey. [Music] [Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] [Music] [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] as he joins us once again courtside at Thomas Mack, the son of 13-year NBA pro Jason, all Big 10 honors and the 25th pick in the most recent draft and getting set for his rookie season with the Orlando Magic. They trail the Mavericks by 20 here, but that’s no fault to Jason Street close today. Uh we were just talking off the air about your time at Bishop Foreman and how you were privileged to have some high school teammates see you make your pro debut here at summer league. Yeah, I mean it’s special, you know, coming back here having a couple people that I used to play with um come watch and support me, you know, having that support system here, it’s it’s really helpful. And you were saying that it I was under the process of thinking it was always Michigan State. You were saying it wasn’t just a slammed duck. You were going to Michigan State. Elaborate. Yeah. I think my recruitment process was really tough. Um there was three schools that I really liked in uh Alabama, Cincinnati, and Michigan State. And then I think a week before I told my parents I was going to go to Alabama and then took my Michigan State visit and I I just never looked back from there. Uh the team was super super friendly. It felt like felt like brothers to me. And then just the coaching staff, they were all welcoming and I just felt like it was the right spot for me. So I didn’t tell coach until like five five hours before I committed on uh ESPN. I was like, “Yeah, coach, I think I’m coming to Michigan State.” And he just looked at me and jaw dropped and just a great time, great experience. Will it be uh familiar, comfortable for you? Have you visited there? Yeah, I mean with my dad playing there, I’ve been around there a couple times. I remember uh running around the arena, probably tearing up the family room at Amway Center at the time. So, um, definitely familiar with with Orlando. Beautiful new practice facility as well, just a couple years minted. Yeah, it’s amazing. Um, when I first was going through my pre-draft process, I was like, I’ve never seen a facility like this. And it was really incredible. On your current summer league team, has anyone stood out to you and impressed you? I know everyone can look at the record and go, “Oh, this team hasn’t won a summer league game.” But you’ve played with these guys and been with these guys for weeks now. Who’s impressed? Uh, Wendell Moore Jr., I think uh the energy that he’s bringing to our team right now uh the past three games, he’s been um mainly our go-to guy as of as of right now. He’s putting pressure on the rim. He’s getting to the basket. He’s defending three positions. So, I definitely feel like he’s been our our biggest impact so far. I hope you have a couple days off if not weeks in your future. Any plans on how you’ll spend it? I have no probably go back home uh see my family members. Uh my I got a serious question. I think dad wants to know. Does this now mean you’re off the payroll or you’re still on? Let’s Let’s get this cleared out the way. I know dad wants to know. Oh, I’m definitely off the payroll now. Okay. All right. Yeah, I’m about to I have to get my own Netflix subscriptions, all that now. So, I definitely got to pay for my own stuff. Um, I was kind of expecting that when I first uh was going through this process. As soon as I got drafted, my dad’s like, “Yeah, you got to get off everything now.” So, no, they’re changing the password. Yep. Changing all the passwords, kicking me out. You got to grow up sometime. Still coming around at meal time. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He’s still home. Sure. Mama will keep coming around. She going to cook for him. He’s still going to be mama’s baby forever. That won’t change. Oh, definitely. Oregon State Beavers there. Ethan Thompson and Kyler Kelly on the miss connection. Ethan’s a great dude. I love that family, too. Another great basketball. Have you had a chance to go back to Michigan State, talk to any of those guys as well? I’m I’m actually going back after this. Um just wanted to check in on all my guys, see how they’re doing. We’ve been uh texting um that that group we had last year. We’re so close. I mean, we got Jay Nakens on on this summer league team with me and you know, just have having somebody like that and I shared that ball with him. Uh, super special. You know, as young as you are, sometimes players will get into a professional setting, they’ll have more time to develop, right? There’s a reason why player development is so important for the coaching staffs of these NBA teams and locker rooms. What’s something that you plan to go to work on before your extra time as you prepare for your first NBA season? Uh, definitely just getting um, you know, more accustomed to being on the ball. Last year was uh really year I didn’t really play my true position. You know, I was playing off the ball majority of the season. So, you know, just getting back into that feel of, you know, being a point guard and, you know, getting back into that role. You know about that, Randolph? Uh, a little. Just a little. If you were the coach, what would you uh what would you say to inspire your magic here to make a little push here before it’s too late? Stops. We got to get stops right now. I think defense leads to easy offense. So, we need to come out, get a couple stops right now, try to go on a run and try to force them to call a timeout right now. When you played, do you notice a difference in the physicality with the uh the 10 fouls to give that everyone had a little bit more? Oh, most definitely. I think guys are a lot more aggressive when they know they got 10 instead of six. So, you know, guys are going to, you know, use use those fouls to their advantage. So, especially the defensive guys. Oh, definitely. Definitely. There’s going to be a lot of lot of more grabbing, a lot of more pushing and shoving, but you know, you got to get used to that. Well, congratulations, my man. It’s been fun to watch you play. I appreciate that. Chase your dream. It’s excited. Super excited to see what your future holds. I appreciate that. Thank you. We’ll let you get out of here and get to your uh travels, your family time, your off season. Look forward to your debut campaign. Thank you. All right, Chase Richardson, the 25th overall pick of the Orlando Magic out of Michigan State, joining us courtside here. Cool second generation conversation because I know that’s close to your heart too, raising kids that are athletes. Yeah, but it’s al it’s close to my heart because I wanted him to elaborate on getting off the payroll. My kids are still slow to get off the payroll. Like what’s going on? Something tells me you’re going to be clipping that off here and check. I hope someone tweets that and I can retweet it and send it to my kids. See what happens. It’s called adulting. Make sure my wife can’t hear me in here. She’s behind me. She’s probably looking. I’d still be logging in with like Orlando Magic 11 or Oh, yeah. 19 pick 2025, something like that. Alandis Williams awake for his product at the line. I know you want to talk, but let’s let Janna get in here, you know. Thanks for the time, guys. Alandis Williams over here. If you look at the back of his biceps and the back of his arms, he actually has it tattooed, man. And if anyone’s familiar with him, that’s what everyone calls. And actually, coach has been right next to me this whole game. I’ve heard it maybe 30 times. And man was a nickname that his mother actually bestowed upon him. And it really just speaks to his energy level and his personality. If anyone knows, he’s always up and down the court, always bouncing around. And actually, he’s the 2023 2024 most improved player in the G. And he’s actually shot 55 points in the G once. shot 70% from the field at a point. So today maybe uncharacteristic shooting from him, but this is a guy that can get going. Thank you, Giana. And now you can whack poetic about how it set him up for No, he he did. I mean, he transferred from Oklahoma and just exploded on the scene. I mean, he’s a big guard and he’s an elite passer. It’s just the inconsistency of playing without the basketball and shooting it. But he is elite at getting in the paint and finding guys. More creating with a short clock and he gets all the way home. Now that he’s doing all he can to get the magic back into this game and I think it’s another secondary ball handling a guy that can attack you off the bounce as well. be great for him if he can get on that Orlando Magic roster or any roster for that matter. I think the only thing that hurts him is just that team is just so good and ready to take a huge step. You know, Randolph, that’s the part about today, right? As many of the players who project as either rostered or two-way or exhibit 10 guys are either resting and preparing for training camp. The auditions now are for all eyes. Yes. Domestic and abroad. Yes, they are. And you get opportunities from abroad. You’ll have teams watching teams here scouting and again, but you have to make decisions and guys like that when Moore being a former first round draft pick, he definitely feels he belongs. And a lot of these guys, it’s going to take you got, like we said, we’ve been saying all weekend, you got to invest in your journey, whether it’s a couple years in the GLeague, but you can’t go back and forth early trying to go Europe or G-League because the styles of play are totally different and guys don’t understand that until they get in those situations. Jaden Akens with the steal on the run out. Diara with the free throw opportunity coming. Seems to be a lid on the basket for the magic for everyone outside of window. Moore Jr. is the only magic in double figures. He’s made five of their 18 field goals on a top shooting afternoon here in Las Vegas. Want to tell you that the Emirates NBA Cup tips on October 31st. The much anticipated tournament returns with all 30 teams in group play and eight advancing to the knockout rounds. But only one cut will capture the cup. Visit nba.com/mbbacup to learn more. nba.com/nbacup [Music] this back half and Jaden Akens has the rebound. Jason’s teammate is chatting with us this time. Kyler Kelly skies to bring it down from the Raptors. Kelly able to bring that lob down that time. What we talked about the vision from Alandis Williams there throwing that alleyoop from half court. Recalibrated that one, didn’t he? Yeah, he threw it up into the catch radius of Kyler. His vision is elite. I mean, he’s a really gifted pass of the basketball. Cleveland from inside the line. Kelly’s there for the board. Morn crossing over at the three-point line. Ran into two defenders. Out to Williams. Could not get the bounce. Extra possession in the hands of Moore. John El Davis. What’ you say about that lid? It’s the lid on the basket right now for the Magic. And you can’t ask for a more open shot than they just got there. Good extra pass by Moore. John El Davis unable to knock it down. [Music] Look at the vision there and where he throws it from. Great job by Kelly knowing where he is catching and finishing. If you’re big, you want a rim run. Put pressure on the rim. Tyler got his name in an NBA box score this past season. Played in 11 games with the Mavs and also the Pelicans. And a Chile Kllin in the box score as well. Love the name Oena. and Chilly Kellum from Marshall where he was the Sunb Belt defensive player of the year. Showing you he can stretch the defense as well. Six seconds. The difference in clocks. End of the third quarter. Zurich felt dead on the dribble over to Matthew Cleveland with three now with one. able to create his own. Four left. Here come the Magic. They cough it up in transition and it’s been that kind of afternoon for Orlando. They’ll wave off Matthew Cleveland’s bang from midcourt. And that’s also been the type of evening it’s been for the Orlando Magic just at that shot going in. When it’s your moment, it’s your moment. I think it’s good. Hat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Music] [Music] now over 30%. How do you guys get to your spots and get going offensively? Uh, honestly, I think it’s up to our defense. We got to be able to get stops. We got out of transition and kind of do what we do best. Uh, they’ve made a lot of shots for you. Had to kick the ball out, walk it up, take it to say defense. That’s going to be tough for anybody. And Orlando has a few two-way contract slots available. How has that affected how you approach summer league? Yeah, I want to come in with a professional approach. I mean, not just for Orlando. I was playing for them in the summer league, but it it’s really a chance for all of us. Just I mean, to go ahead. It’s opportunity for all 30 teams. So, I mean, I think we’re all taking advantage of it. Um, it’s been a great week. Thank you so much. Coach Wendell said it best, right? Jaden Akens gets the steal and the run out and that gets started here in our fourth quarter. Match need a whole lot more of that to close the deficit. Dallas hitting the offensive glass, but Gabe Mcloin missing. I think they’re struggling when in half court set. They got to play with more pace when they’re in transition. You’re not scoring. You find it hard to crack in this defense of the Mavericks when it’s in the half court. You get a chance to push, you got to attack, put pressure on that rim. Alandis Williams a bit flat on the three. I thought he had a better opportunity there if had he just attacked in transition and get in the paint. Good things happen. But his ability to pass the basketball. Magic get another steal. Nate Santo foul on the pass. Shaell Davis even on that three was hesitant before the whistle was blown. And you got to be ready to pull the trigger on that. I know you’re struggling from the behind the arc. They started one for 10. They’re now six of 28. But you break the streak by being ready and taking open shots. You don’t take contested ones, but that one’s no hesitation. You got to let that go. Everyone, including your coaches, live with open threes and you miss. Akins turns it over. And that’s why they’re struggling, too. The M the Mavericks defense is identifying it. These guys are struggling from behind the three-point line. They’re really sagging off. Everybody sitting in gaps. Can’t let it shake your confidence. Got to take open shots. Speaking of shake, D Phelp showing some. Could not finish the highlight. Now to the corner. Trying to go to work on Zack Freeman. Caught up in the air with nowhere to go. Head over the hav to be careful in jumping. Williams to the lob. No finish on the back end. [Applause] Mclofflin in not this time. Like right now he’s playing on his heels. Got to go at him. Mantel turns down the three to drive baseline. Gets bailed out by the whistle. But that’s what we can do. Attack in transition force help present an opportunity. So if you don’t get the assist, you’ll get the hockey assist off that penetration in transition. Couple subs for Dallas, including Nolan Hickman. Knocked down a three in our first half. Also Matt Cross who started this game. Cross played for Miami, Louisville, UMass, and SMU over the course of his college career. 43 in blue. And Matt Cross is a guy that I know is not affected by this pace. He played at SMU, and they played at one of the fastest paces in the country. So you can see him run up and down the court now. I mean, the pace of this game will not affect him, but he needs someone to set the table for him as he’s at this level. He’s more of a catch and shoot guy. Foul away from the basketball. [Music] Question for Matt Cross. Can he develop into a three and D guy? We know he can shoot the three, but can he can he defend on the perimeter. First foul of the quarter on the Magic. So inside out of bounds, will initiate the Dallas offense. Here’s Cross. The three portion is pure. We talked it up. No, he’s comfortable doing that. Again, he’s he’s got a couple things that they helped him out. The pace of the game won’t bother him the way it’s bother some of these other rookies, but now he’s got to defend on the perimeter. Akins wiped away. [Applause] Aloo Diara getting in some burn here in game five. M cross with range. Great mechanics on his shot. He was ready to go. Got to run him off the line. Freemanel connects. Zack Freeman, former Xavier star Miller with Xavier kick in. Nicely done. A nifty take. Yes. No more as a shooter that time. He crafty off the bounce. Showing you a little wiggle. A late whistle here to the dismay of the Dallas Mavericks in total control with six and a half to go. Just coming down with the in and out. Get the get the angle in to finish off the glass. Former Utah State player of the year as a prep was WCC allconerence first team last year averaging nearly 11 per running with Ryan Nemhard. Speaking of teammates, here’s Jaden Akens. Another Michigan State product from Farmington, Michigan. Another Sparty [Applause] Magic have got to sit out on the defensive end of the floor. The time is now. They’ve got to get stopped if they want to have any chance of getting back in this game. Yara with a nice pass to cross. He’s fouled on a wedgie. What these young men will learn is you got to be able to do something. You got to be able to defend. You got to guard the basketball if you want to have a chance. even making a team summer league I mean uh G-League or the big club got a guard now somehow ran off that reminded me that at the end of the third quarter we had the near buzzer beater by Matthew Cleveland that was ruled no good no shot on the floor they did review that between periods and the call on the floor was correct so I know you were rooting for it and you made a little bit of a verbal case going to commercial but for anyone still waiting on us to circle back to that Sorry, it’s not the last time. I’ll be wrong. It’s okay. I’m used to it. So, my wife says, “You weren’t as dismayed as the crowd here at See, I didn’t crowd agreed with me.” I should get some credit for that. Yeah. Well, they were they agreed with me. I jumped out there early on my decision. John El Davis hangs and hits. [Music] Diara Hamilton with a dribble and gets to that left hand. Freemantle pulls it down on the glass. Lozer Stefanovic by way of Utah and UCLA on the floor. His first appearance for the Magic. Lefty triple that goes begging. Missed by Jaden Akens. There’s Nate Santos winding up in the opponent’s bench to send us to a timeout. All Dallas [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] ability to handle the ball, initiate offense. and we saw that on display here in summer league in Vegas. I think he helps that boy as a big guard that’s going to force you to make decisions because you do not want to switch smaller defender on Cooper flag with his ability to pass the basketball. He’ll force rotation and force double teams and anywhere from a one two three and a small ball four. I think you’re comfortable putting him at anyone against anyone in the NBA even as a rookie. but his vision and unselfishness just an ideal fit and a perfect timing for the Dallas Mavericks that had championship expectations even prior to getting the number one pick and now you get Cooper flag I think he just keeps that window open for a longer amount of time whereas before with led by Anthony Davis and Carrie Irving you thought it was only going to be two or three years that certainly seemed to be the mandate right in his two games here in Las Vegas put him on the ball as much as possible I think he had to do it because you needed to know what it looked like and you saw early I mean I just think the excitement the nerves from the first game. You know, we talked about from all the other draft picks how the the lead up to it, you can imagine tenfold what he was going through being pulled in so many different, you know, directions. But when he settled down his second game, I mean, he went from 31 and it was clear he’s as good at advertising. It’s a good problem to have, I think, in Dallas. Phenomenal problem to have for organization, a group of guys that went through so much. some injuries a year ago. Nico being drugged, his name, the situation being drugged through the mud. Just a great comeback, great story. Just under four to go between Dallas and Orlando here in Las Vegas. [Music] Own a design studio. Win a really big design contract. Realize you’re more of a creative type than a finance type. Realize you got this. Use QuickBooks to get your cash flow flowing. [Music] Get live expert assistance to maximize your tax savings. I can help with that. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] velops himself into a really good NBA player and his ability to stretch your defense. Again, you got a dominant player like Paulo Vic Carol, you want to surround him with shooting. Imagine throwing a zone look at Dallas here out of the stoppage underneath the four-minute mark and Matthew Cleveland has a free throw to follow. Try to throw something different. Nothing has worked for the Orlando Magic on the defensive end of the floor. Just unable to get stops. Right there finish taken a contact by Matthew Cleveland. The other thing with the Magic is yes, it’s it’s a win now temperament. And why not? Because they’ve made the playoffs, now they need to get over the hump, and they see the opportunity, but they’ve also secured their near-term future, right? It’s not a one-year play having their nucleus of Caro and Vagner and Sugs under contract now for the next five seasons and Bane under contract through 2029. Now, you expect I mean, I think the memo for both of these clubs here is heightened expectations next year, but it’s health. Can they remain healthy? And you love the depth for the Magic. I mean, for the Mavericks and what they have already established, but now for the Magic, back-to-back playoff appearances. We talked about the injury bugs and the teams that seem to have come back to the pack like Boston. Maybe if you’re coming into the season for Orlando Magic next year, you it’s got to be heightened and got to be super excited about I was reminded seeing Tristan D Silva, secondyear draft pick, resting today in street clothes. He shot 33 and a half% from behind the arc as a rookie. Respectable, he’s a threat and I I think some growth in that area, which I know he’s capable of, having seen a lot of his games in college. Could be another, you know, kind of marginal improvement from the perimeter for a team that desperately needs shooting as you described. And I think that’ll help Jay. I mean, he him coming in, he’ll be able to come in day one. That’s one skill set he doesn’t have to worry about working on. He’ll be able to come through the door and knock down open threes and he’s going to get those shots. You know, your game’s a lot easier when you’re playing with a superstar. And that’s what Carlo Carroll has become. He developed himself into it and he’s going to create so many shots because not only is he a big 16 guy, but his ability to beat guys off the bounce puts so much pressure on teams and just open up looks and he’s a really good basketball. It reminded me a bit of the conversation we had last night about Reed Shepard, right? He was kind of shut down for his second summer league as well in Houston. But not only are they expecting him to make the leap individually, now in the construct of a Kevin Durant offense, think about some of the looks that he’s going to get. Playing with a truly great player that no one can defend one-on-one makes the game game so much easier everyone else. And I think you’re going to see a big jump like that in Houston with Reed Shepard because they didn’t have a guy to take that type of pressure away from him. And he m the Rockets acquired who I believe is the greatest just pure scorer this league has ever seen. And you can just write him in a book for 25 points a game next year minimum and an efficient number. And that definitely helped reach Shepard. It’s an even more high-profile example of the team looking at how do we take the next step to compete for a championship. We got to unlock our half court offense, right? We have a defensive culture and an identity. We need half court end of clock scoring and then we haven’t got, like you said, an alltimer. Yeah. Maybe the most difficult guy to ever guard. A sevenfooter that can pose smaller guys. Can’t bother his shot. Cleveland patient through traffic. He’s had a nice show. He has. He’s a really good player. I think he’s loves to get in the passing lane. I think his on ball defense need to improve, but he’s a really good athlete for his size and really finishes well well around the basketball. He’s up to 17 points now. Lewis with 18 to lead the way. Drop a couple more names in. Lance Terry is getting some run. He’s 41 in white for Orlando. Jaylen Williams, the lefty, is in for Dallas. Final 70 seconds of summer league for these two franchises. Summer league action continuing on NBA TV, ESPN, and the ESPN app. Coming up tonight, Sixers and Nets next here on NBA TV 9 Eastern on ESPN. They’ve got the Pacers and the Pelicans. And then tomorrow, the semifinals are on ESPN. The final four. Kings and Raptors at four. Hornets and Thunder at 6 Eastern. You and I. You and I have seen the rap. Man, are they impressive, fun to watch. Match up of the undefeated teams. Yeah. I mean, everyone’s here trying to have a good week in Las Vegas and Toronto’s just giving people headaches. I mean, they are miserable. They’ve been the best defensive team I think we’ve seen. I mean, collectively, one through five. I mean, They’ve been fun to watch. They don’t worry about the offensive end of the floor, which I think is the identity that a lot of guys need to take if they want to make NBA rosters anyway, but in Toronto, it’s just the culture there. Well, the Raptors brought a lot of players who had made. Yes, they have. And will continue to make NBA rosters to this event. Not surprised to see them go undefeated and advance to the semis. There’s one team that went undefeated that I think was a somewhat of a surprise for Charlotte Horns. You to see them come out with the young draft picks. McNeely Conniple. Guys having really good summers. Lazer Stefanovich off the mark. Final 35 seconds of this one. Dallas on its way to a wireto-wire victory. Lance Terry brings it for the Magic Partake and a nice right-handed finish. Lance Terry gets a bucket after five college seasons. Three of them spent at Gardener Web, two at Georgia Tech. Man Terry’s a really good two-way player. Outstanding young man and his future’s bright. He just has a decision to make whether he wants to try to make it in the league or there’ll be plenty of opportunities for a young man like that abroad. He’s a really talented player. Mavericks pushed their lead out to 26. They’re on their way to victory. Final thoughts here, Randolph. What’s next for these young men? Interesting summer for all these guys. Now, you got to make a decision. Do you want to if the opportunity presented itself to play in the G-League? And again, you got to invest in that or you got to make a decision. Do you want to invest in playing overseas? Either way, it’s a massive decision. Got to sit down, get good advice, and make that decision and commitment.
Dallas Mavericks vs Orlando Magic Full Game Jul 18 2025 | NBA 2K26 Summer League Today
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