The Memphis Grizzlies delivered a commanding performance in the NBA Summer League on July 17, 2026, dominating the Atlanta Hawks 96-64. The game, held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, showcased the Grizzlies' depth and defensive intensity as they overwhelmed a young Hawks squad from the opening tip.

Match Overview

The Grizzlies set the tone early, building a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter and never looking back. Memphis outscored Atlanta 28-15 in the opening period, using relentless pressure on both ends to create transition opportunities. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 54-32, and the second half offered little relief for the Hawks as the Grizzlies continued to pad their advantage.

Memphis shot 44% from the field and held Atlanta to just 36% shooting, forcing 17 turnovers that translated into 21 points. The Grizzlies also dominated the glass with a 48-38 rebounding edge, including 14 offensive boards that led to 16 second-chance points.

Key Performers

• Memphis Grizzlies: Guard Jacob Wright led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, adding 5 assists and 3 steals. Forward Marcus Santos-Silva contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Rookie big man Trey James was a force inside with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
• Atlanta Hawks: Guard AJ Griffin was the only Hawk in double figures with 12 points, but he struggled with his efficiency (4-of-13 FG). Forward Mouhamed Gueye added 8 points and 7 rebounds in a losing effort. The Hawks' offense lacked rhythm, managing only 6 assists as a team.

Tactical Observations

The Grizzlies executed a clear game plan: pressure the ball, collapse the paint, and run in transition. Their half-court defense smothered Atlanta's pick-and-roll actions, often forcing tough contested jumpers. Offensively, Memphis moved the ball crisply, recording 22 assists on 38 made field goals, with Wright and rookie point guard JD Davison orchestrating the flow efficiently.

Atlanta, by contrast, struggled to find any offensive cohesion. The Hawks turned the ball over on nearly 20% of their possessions and could not establish an inside presence, as Memphis blocked 8 shots and altered countless others. The Hawks' perimeter shooting was erratic, hitting just 7-of-25 from three-point range (28%).

Summer League Context

For the Grizzlies, the lopsided victory improved their summer league record to 3-1, positioning them as a contender for the tournament quarterfinals. The team’s young core, including last year’s first-round pick, has shown promising chemistry and defensive tenacity. Coach Jason March praised his squad’s intensity, noting that “the guys are buying into playing the right way on both ends.”

The Hawks, meanwhile, fell to 1-3 in summer league action. While individual flashes have been visible, the team has struggled with consistency, especially on the defensive side. Atlanta’s coaching staff will focus on ball security and offensive structure ahead of their final group-stage game.

What’s Next

Both teams have one more preliminary match before the summer league knockout rounds. Memphis will take on the New Orleans Pelicans, while Atlanta faces the Sacramento Kings. For the Hawks, the priority will be to regain confidence and execute their sets with better precision, while the Grizzlies aim to maintain their momentum and secure a top seed.