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•Get the NBA App•Comprehensive Summer League Coverage
On Day 5 in Las Vegas, a wealth of draft candidates and noteworthy undrafted talent took the court, each eager to demonstrate their abilities. From top lottery selections to late first-round picks and experienced G League players, teams had a plethora of options as they sought to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season.
Here are the highlights from Day 5 of the NBA 2K26 Summer League:
The Hawks’ guard has had limited playing time over his first two seasons due to injuries, appearing in just 27 out of a possible 164 games (though Bufkin did manage to play 14 games in the G League during his rookie year). In Monday’s thrilling 111-108 overtime win, Bufkin poured in 25 points (8-15 FG, 4-8 3PM) and recorded two steals. His averages over the last three games stand at 21.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. While his field-goal percentage sits at 35.4% (including 27.3% from three), his consistency at the free-throw line, hitting 8.0 of 8.3 attempts per game, provides a positive cushion.
Matas Buzelis notched a game-high 28 points in the match against the Pacers on Monday.
The second-year forward continued to enhance his impressive rookie season, significantly contributing to the Bulls’ 114-105 triumph. Buzelis shot 8-for-14 (2-4 3PM), demonstrating a vigorous driving game that led to 13 free-throw attempts. His final stats included 28 points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block.
His rookie teammate, Noa Essengue, also delivered a commendable performance with 21 points (7-14 FGs, 3-8 3PM), but he found himself posterized by Johnny Furphy. After that encounter, perhaps he’ll reconsider his approach in the future. Ouch.
The No. 4 overall pick from this year’s draft, Knueppel, had a challenging debut in Vegas on Friday (5 points, 1-8 FGs, 0-5 3PM). However, his performance on Monday showcased a game that extends beyond just shooting: he recorded 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting (3-5 3PM), along with 10 rebounds and four assists, highlighting his willingness to contribute in various ways. If Knueppel can act as a facilitator alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, he could help the Hornets perplex their adversaries offensively; sharpening his defensive skills would further elevate the team’s potential.
With only 1.9 seconds remaining in overtime, it appeared Kyle Filipowski was poised to be the hero, building on another standout performance — 35 points on 11-19 FGs, 5-8 3PM, and 8-12 FTs — along with 11 rebounds, including an offensive board that set up a crucial game-tying dunk shortly before the finish. This created an opportunity for Minix, who received the inbounds pass facing the sidelines on the right wing with Jameer Nelson Jr. closely guarding him. The two-way Spurs swingman pivoted baseline upon receiving the ball, elevating for a game-winning shot just as the buzzer sounded. A Summer League hero secures victory for San Antonio.
The Kings targeted Clifford late in the first round, trading a protected 2027 first-round pick to Oklahoma City to select the Colorado State standout. He showcased his promise on Monday by scoring 19 points (7-8 FGs, 3-3 3PM), along with three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block in 24 minutes during Sacramento’s 94-76 win against the Suns. The Kings executed a formidable defensive effort, restricting the starting Phoenix frontcourt to a dismal combined shooting of 5-for-26.
