Javon Small, Memphis Grizzlies end summer league with dominant win vs Clippers
Summer league action for the Memphis Grizzlies came to an end in a consolation game on July 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Many of the usual Grizzlies starters rested, but the result was the team's most dominant performance in Las Vegas, a 105-82 win at the Thomas and Mack Center.
The Grizzlies finished with a 2-3 record in Las Vegas. They went 1-2 in the Salt Lake City Summer League games.
Here are three takeaways from the Las Vegas finale.
Summer league ends for key Grizzlies
Memphis rested most of its usual starters. Jaylen Wells already had been shut down for the summer, and GG Jackson, Cam Spencer, Jahmai Mashack and Armando Bacot sat against the Clippers.
Jackson, Spencer and Bacot had been among the biggest producers for the Grizzlies during summer league.
Zyon Pullin spent most of summer league starting with the Grizzlies, but he was waived on July 20. They signed big man PJ Hall to a two-way contract on the same day.
Javon Small gets more reps
Without many of the regulars in action, rookie second-round pick Javon Small was able to play a larger role. Small, who missed the first three games in Las Vegas because of a groin injury, made a positive impact.
He came off the bench and was still one of the most productive players against the Clippers. He finished with a team-high nine assists and added 17 points and three made 3-pointers. His most impressive play came when he drove to the basket, completed a behind-the-back dribble without breaking stride and finished a layup at the rim as time expired in the first quarter.
Getting reps was important for Small. Though he didn't get much time with the players he'll suit up with in the fall, he was able to show what he can bring to the table.
Tyler Burton shines again
Anytime Tyler Burton has gotten an extended opportunity in summer league, he has delivered. He scored a team-high 20 points and had seven rebounds.
Burton was with the G League Memphis Hustle last season. He played only eight games, but he could be in line for a larger role after his performance in summer league. He had 23 points, nine rebounds and five made 3-pointers when Memphis rested its usual starters July 8 against the Philadelphia 76ers in Salt Lake City.
What's next
Now it's time to rest. Players will ramp up and strengthen their games beginning in the fall.
Eyes will be on the rookie class. Summer league offered a limited look at Small and Mashack. Both players missed multiple games. First-round draft pick Cedric Coward, recovering from a shoulder injury, also wasn't able to play in Las Vegas.
This also had been a chance for Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo to start implementing his principles. He will continue to round out his coaching staff ahead of October for training camp and preseason action.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.