NBA Wildcat Watch: Las Vegas Summer League Playoffs (July 12)

Almost all the ‘Cats were in action on Thursday, for the second day of the NBA Summer League playoffs. Most notably, Mikal Bridges and the Phoenix Suns begin their playoff journey against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Each time a former Wildcat hits the court for Summer League play, we will recap how they did and include a few highlights (if available). This will also serve as a discussion board. We will try to keep it updated as soon as the games are over, so check back often!

Daniel Ochefu

After playing only a single minute of the New York Knicks’ previous game, Daniel Ochefu found himself on his way out of the rotation in the Knicks’ opening round loss to the Boston Celtics. Ochefu did not play in New York’s 85-72 loss to the Celtics.

Up Next: Consolation bracket game vs. New Orleans on Friday, July 13, at 4:30 p.m. ET

Mikal Bridges

Bridges had an opportunity to play against the Sixers a lot earlier than expected, once the Summer League playoff bracket was revealed. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t go so well. The undefeated Phoenix Suns were stunned by the winless Philadelphia 76ers in the final seconds of the game, as the Sixers were able to hold on for an 88-86 win.

Down two with 7.8 seconds left, the Suns had a chance to at least tie the game or take the lead. Shaq Harrison got the ball to Bridges to attempt a game-tying shot around the basket, but Zhaire Smith—who was in the trade that sent Bridges to Phoenix—was able to strip the ball loose for a game-saving play.

Bridges started the game, playing 27 minutes. He excelled on defense but finished the day with seven points, four steals, two blocks, an assist, and the three turnovers. He was 2-for-5 overall, 1-of-3 from deep, and 2-for-2 at the free throw line.

Up Next: Consolation game vs. San Antonio on Friday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m. ET

Kris Jenkins

Jenkins didn’t say any action in the San Antonio Spurs overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Up Next: Consolation bracket game vs. Phoenix on Friday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Donte DiVincenzo

After a groin injury hampered his Summer League experience, Donte DiVincenzo has finally made his debut for the Bucks. He was in the starting lineup, but the Bucks are still keeping a close eye on him. They limited his minutes, as they work him back in from injury. Through 11 minutes of action, DiVincenzo was scoreless in the Bucks 83-75 overtime win, going 0-of-3 on the floor, but he had two assists and two steals.

Up Next: vs. Philadelphia on Saturday, July 14, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Josh Hart

Josh Hart entered Thursday night as the third-highest scorer in this year’s Summer League. He’s averaged 23.3 points per game through the Lakers’ first three games. After enjoying a first round bye, he and the Lakers took on the Los Angeles Clippers. Once again, Hart reached the 20-point mark, as the Lakers won 82-69 over their crosstown rival.

Through 26 minutes of action, Hart finished with a game-high 20 points, shooting 7-of-16 on overall with a 2-for-6 showing from beyond the arc. He also added six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

Up Next: vs. Chicago/Detroit winner on Sunday, July 15, at 4 p.m. ET.

Omari Spellman

It wasn’t a pretty game, but even in a lopsided result that saw Portland taking down Atlanta, 95-69, Omari Spellman was a bright spot for the Hawks. Spellman was back in the starting lineup and played his best game of the summer so far. He got into a groove early and was seemingly unstoppable.

Spellman did a little of everything and was able to score a game-high 20 points. He was 7-of-16 overall, 3-for-6 from deep, and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free throw line. He also had five boards, three assists, and a steal.

Up Next: Consolation bracket vs. the Clippers on Friday, July 13, at 10:30 p.m. ET.