Running analysis from NBA Summer League

theScore provides insights and analysis on the key talking points from the 19th edition of the Las Vegas Summer League. Check back daily through the finale on July 20, and tap here for daily scores and stats.

Monday, July 14

Bronny finding his rhythm

After Bronny James' shaky opening night against the Mavs, which ended with an ill-advised step-back three at the buzzer, the 2024 second-rounder has made noticeable strides in his last two appearances.

James scored 14 points on 5-for-11 shooting Saturday night, but he still committed four turnovers and shot 1-for-5 from distance. The Lakers' loss to the Clippers on Monday night was James' best showing, as he notched 17 points, five assists, and five rebounds. He also confidently stepped into threes off the dribble, connecting on three long-range shots with his dad sitting courtside.

Critics pounced on the younger James' limited but discouraging run last season, questioning his merit as an NBA player. However, James' G League contests showcased his development: He averaged nearly 22 points on 38% 3-point shooting while dishing out over five assists in 11 G League games. If Monday is any indication, James is slowly proving his worth as an NBA player. - Sam Oshtry

Hawks' Kobe Bufkin turning heads

Kobe Bufkin has been on a roller-coaster ride in Vegas. He opened the Summer League with a 29-point outing, earning 15 trips to the charity stripe and drilling all 15 free throws. He followed that up with a 10-point performance on 3-for-17 shooting, though he did dish out nine assists in the Hawks' win.

On Monday night, Bufkin's 25 points on 50% shooting from three led the Hawks to their third win in as many games. The 21-year-old is careless with the ball - he committed nine turnovers Monday - but he can score in a variety of ways and is in contention for Summer League MVP.

Bufkin has been limited in his two seasons due to injuries, making just 17 appearances. But if his Summer League performances can translate to the regular season, he has a chance to crack Atlanta's deep and improved rotation. - Sam Oshtry

Johnny Furphy defies gravity with cruel poster

Monday's highlights featured one of the most vicious and impressive dunks we've seen in a while.

The Summer League is a growing experience for everyone, and Noa Essengue learned that sometimes you have to make a business decision. Don't jump - especially not with Johnny Furphy, who completely defied physics with a dunk that will live on in basketball lore.

Here's a still shot that broke the internet Monday night:

- Sam Oshtry

Sunday, July 13

Filipowski gives Jazz options

Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski is having a noteworthy Summer League, averaging 26.5 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block on 55.3% shooting.

The second-year Duke product took a while to get up to speed at the pro level. He then quietly had a solid second half to the campaign, averaging 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 25.4 minutes per game since the All-Star break. It's apparent that he has the necessary offensive tools to demand minutes under Will Hardy, but on the defensive end, more is required of the 6-foot-11 big. Filipowski showed glimpses of capable rim-protection in Sunday's defeat to the Golden State Warriors.

The Jazz's rebuild has reached the next stage following the exits of Collin Sexton and John Collins; the emergence of Filipowski paired with contributions from rookies Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. could help it advance further.

The next obvious departure from Utah would be Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish forward was linked with several teams last season and was held out of the lineup for portions of the second half, prompting a $100,000 fine from the NBA for player participation policy violations. Filipowski's development as a two-way threat would help paper over the cracks of Markkanen's eventual exit. - Michael J. Chandler

Saturday, July 12

Flagg learning quickly

Cooper Flagg made his much-anticipated Dallas Mavericks debut in a narrow win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Day 1 in Las Vegas. The first overall pick posted 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting, adding six rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes. Flagg put up an early highlight with an emphatic one-handed slam for his first-ever basket, but he was critical of his overall performance, calling it "one of the worst games of my life." Some of his teammates were more positive, with undrafted guard Ryan Nembhard hailing Flagg as a "super talent."

Read more: Flagg draws 'unselfish' reviews in debut

Flagg bounced back in a big way in his second outing on Day 3, showing why he's heavily favored to win this season's Rookie of the Year award. The Duke product looked more comfortable and decisive, pouring in a game-high 31 points against the San Antonio Spurs. He showed off his full set of skills, draining three triples, executing from mid-range, and getting into the paint for several dunks. Flagg was responsible for over 47% of the Mavs' offense.

The Mavs then reportedly said "we've seen enough" and shut down Flagg for the remainder of the Las Vegas Summer League. - Michael J. Chandler

Don't forget about Dylan

Speaking of that Mavs-Spurs matchup, it also gave San Antonio fans an opportunity to get their first look at No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, who made his Summer League debut after overcoming a groin injury. Harper went head to head with Flagg, recording 16 points in the Spurs' 76-69 win. He also stood out on the defensive end, picking up a pair of steals and wowing the crowd with a massive transition block that drew audible gasps inside the Thomas and Mack Center.

If the Spurs can get all of their young pieces collectively healthy and on the court together, the sky's the limit for Mitch Johnson's team. - Gianluca Nesci

Friday, July 11

Heat's Jakucionis quiets critics

Kasparas Jakucionis had a rough start to the California Classic after sliding to No. 20 in the draft. The Miami Heat combo guard went 1-of-15 from the field and 0-of-11 from deep with 12 turnovers in three games, and those with confidence in small sample sizes were ready to call the Lithuanian a bust.

Fast-forward to Jakucionis' Las Vegas Summer League debut, and the Illinois product showed his worth. He dropped 24 points on 12 shots, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc in just 28 minutes versus the Atlanta Hawks.

He displayed versatility at the offensive end as both a catch-and-shoot threat and a weapon in isolation while also creating opportunities for the Heat's frontcourt rolling to the basket. His ability to make the right decisions without the ball should encourage Erik Spoelstra to involve the 19-year-old in the rotation. - Michael J. Chandler

Thursday, July 10

'Dreams do come true'

One of the true joys of Summer League is seeing players who were either overlooked in the draft or have bounced around the league finally get an opportunity to shine - and making the most of it. Jamaree Bouyea fits that bill. The 26-year-old guard hit a buzzer-beating triple to lift the Milwaukee Bucks to a win over the Denver Nuggets on Day 1 in Vegas.

The Bucks are Bouyea's fifth NBA organization after going undrafted out of San Francisco in 2022. "Dreams do come true," Bouyea said postgame. - Michael J. Chandler