The Summer League Hawks had a matchup on Thursday evening against the Memphis Grizzlies that could have some huge implications. Coming into the game, the Hawks were undefeated at 3-0, while the Grizzlies were 2-1. If the Hawks won, they would automatically clinch a spot in the Summer League tournament, and even if they lost, they’d still have a chance, but it would have to be a point-differential situation.
The Hawks didn’t have Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor and Asa Newell, while Jacob Toppin (not with team), RayJ Dennis (Achilles) and Keshon Gilbert (adductor) were also out with injuries.
As for the Grizzlies, all of their players were active, which included No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer.
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It’s obvious that the Hawks didn’t have their top players in this one because the first quarter was probably one of the worst ones in Summer League History. The Hawks started out the game shooting 0-6 from the field with eight turnovers, and the Grizzlies got out to an 18-0 run.
The Hawks didn’t score their first point until three minutes left in the first, and going into the second, they trailed the Grizzlies 32-2.
The good news for the Hawks is that things could only get better in the second quarter, and they did. The Grizzlies were still hot to start the quarter, but the Hawks settled in a little bit on both sides of the ball. It was the defense that stuck out the most, and Kobe Johnson had some good reps on Boozer to slow him down a little.
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The Hawks went on a 9-0 run late in the quarter and cut their deficit down to as much as 23 points, but the Grizzlies got back into a groove to extend their lead again. Going into halftime, the Hawks trailed 51-22.
It was another rough start to a quarter for the Hawks, as the Grizzlies extended their lead in the third, getting whatever they wanted in the paint, while also knocking down shots from the perimeter. Throughout the game, the Hawks also lost one of their guards, as Isaac McKneely was ruled out with a right shoulder injury.
Going into the fourth, the Hawks trailed 76-42.
At this point, the Hawks were just trying to get their deficit down to less than 16 points so they could have a chance of making it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies were able to maintain their large lead, and the Hawks couldn’t do much to cut into it.
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Isaiah Wong finished the game with 20 points, and Zeke Mayo finished with 10 points.
The Hawks will be back in action on Saturday for their consolation game.
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