The opening night of the NBA Las Vegas Summer League delivered exactly what it promised in terms of spectacle, even if the on-court narrative took a few unexpected turns. The most sought-after ticket in Summer League history featured the highly anticipated debut of No. 1 overall pick **Cooper Flagg**, pitted against the son of a legend, **Bronny James**. Fans lined up before sunrise and paid unprecedented prices, eager to witness the future and the famous lineage clash.
In the end, the Dallas Mavericks secured an 87-85 victory over James`s Los Angeles Lakers squad in a game that offered valuable early insights, albeit perhaps not the ones the casual observer might have predicted.
Flagg`s First Test: The Shooting Woes
All eyes were on Flagg, and he received his `welcome to the league` moment early, getting blitzed by defenders on the opening possession. While he quickly followed with a powerful transition dunk for his first points, the narrative for the night quickly shifted to his shooting. Flagg struggled significantly with his shot throughout the game, finishing just **5 of 21 from the floor** and missing all **five** of his three-point attempts.
Despite the cold shooting night, Flagg was tasked with significant ball-handling duties, a role Mavericks coach Jason Kidd indicated he`ll explore for the versatile forward. This is a notable adjustment from his previous settings, requiring different reads and pace.
Flagg himself acknowledged the adjustment post-game, noting the `different game, different pace, different feel.` Coach Kidd praised Flagg`s poise and decision-making for an 18-year-old navigating these changes, even amidst typical rookie mistakes. Crucially, Flagg limited turnovers, committing only one despite significant time with the ball, showcasing an encouraging level of control. He also demonstrated his high basketball IQ with a critical block late in the game that led directly to the go-ahead assist.
While the box score on shooting isn`t pretty, Summer League is less about polished efficiency and more about adaptation, trying new things, and learning the NBA game`s nuances. Expect Flagg`s shot to find its rhythm as he gets more comfortable in his new role and environment. His ability to still impact the game despite offensive struggles is a positive sign.
Bronny`s Boost: Confidence and Aggression
Across the court, Bronny James entered this game following a less-than-stellar showing in the California Classic earlier in the week. However, he responded admirably to the spotlight and the marquee matchup. James showed significantly more confidence and aggression from the outset.
He wasn`t shy, even hitting an early step-back jumper directly over Flagg for the Lakers` first points and following it up with a three-pointer on the next possession. James also took on the challenge of defending the larger Flagg at times, demonstrating competitive spirit despite his smaller frame.
Finishing with **eight points**, **two rebounds**, and **two assists** in **21 minutes**, James missed a deep three-pointer at the buzzer that could have won the game for the Lakers. This outing was a clear step forward for James, displaying the kind of assertiveness his team will need, whether he`s in the NBA or G League next season. His willingness to take shots and defend bigger opponents under pressure was a notable improvement.
The Unexpected Standout: Ryan Nembhard Shines
But perhaps the most compelling narrative thread from this particular Summer League contest wasn`t the highly-drafted phenom or the famous son, but rather an undrafted point guard proving his undeniable worth. **Ryan Nembhard**, brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, went unselected in the recent draft, yet he played like the best guard on the floor for long stretches of this game.
Nembhard poured in **21 points**, dished out **five assists**, and added a steal, looking remarkably comfortable and decisive running the Mavericks` offense. He exhibited the kind of steady hand and efficient play that often translates well to the NBA game.
With Kyrie Irving`s injury creating a potential need for guard depth for Dallas, Nembhard`s stable, mistake-averse play is exactly the kind of reliable production that catches a team`s eye during the summer showcase. While the headlines focused on Flagg and James and fans debated the value of their expensive tickets, Nembhard quietly, effectively, and arguably most impactfully, made his case for an NBA opportunity.
Beyond the Hype
This Flagg-vs.-James debut served as a perfect microcosm of Summer League itself: a mix of immense hype, expected struggles, flashes of potential, and the emergence of players flying under the radar. While Flagg navigates the learning curve of a new role and James builds on newfound confidence, the performance of a player like Ryan Nembhard reminds everyone tuning in that sometimes, the real gems are found when you look past the brightest lights and focus on effective, fundamental basketball.
Jasper Hawthorne