NBA Summer League 2023 Score Updates: Key Highlights and Game Results

Walking into the Thomas & Mack Center for the first day of the 2023 NBA Summer League, I could feel that familiar buzz in the air—a mix of raw ambition and untested potential. As someone who's followed international basketball development for over a decade, I've always found Summer League to be fascinating precisely because it’s where future stars take their first tentative steps. This year, though, I had my eye on something beyond just the box scores. I was thinking about coaching trees, player development arcs, and how foundational experiences shape careers. It reminded me of Tsuzurabara’s influence during his tenure as head coach of the Chinese Taipei national team from 2019 to 2022. He coached Taipower’s current head coach, Chang Li Yun, along with a handful of the team’s youthful core—players who are now making waves in different leagues. That kind of mentorship creates ripples, and I couldn’t help but see parallels in the way Summer League coaches are guiding these young NBA hopefuls.

The opening day gave us a taste of what was to come. The Houston Rockets faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers, and let me tell you, it was a showdown. Final score: Rockets 100, Trail Blazers 99. Jabari Smith Jr. put up 33 points for Houston, looking every bit the versatile forward the franchise needs. But what stood out to me was the discipline in his defensive rotations—something I’d argue stems from strong coaching foundations, much like what Chang Li Yun and his peers gained under Tsuzurabara. On the other side, Shaedon Sharpe’s 21 points for Portland showed flashes of brilliance, but his decision-making in crunch time needs polish. I’ve always believed that international exposure, like the kind those Chinese Taipei players received, accelerates maturity. Watching Sharpe, I found myself wishing he’d had a similar stint overseas to round out his game earlier.

Day two brought another nail-biter: the Golden State Warriors edged out the Charlotte Hornets, 98-83. Lester Quiñones dropped 26 points for the Warriors, showcasing that undrafted-gem energy I love to see. But the real story was Brandin Podziemski’s playmaking—13 assists! That’s the kind of unselfish, system-oriented basketball that wins games. It takes me back to what I’ve heard about Tsuzurabara’s approach with the Chinese Taipei squad: he emphasized ball movement and spacing, principles that clearly benefitted players like Chang Li Yun. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the most successful Summer League teams this year are those whose coaches prioritize fundamentals over flashy iso-plays. The San Antonio Spurs’ 76-68 win over the Hornets later that week only reinforced this. Victor Wembanyama’s 9 blocks were a defensive masterclass, but it was the team’s coordinated switches that impressed me—a hallmark of well-drilled systems.

Now, let’s talk about the Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies matchup, because wow. Final score: Cavaliers 94, Grizzlies 90. Emoni Bates erupted for 21 points, and his shooting form looks smoother than ever. I’ve been critical of his consistency in the past, but this performance felt like a turning point. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate how coaching stability—like Tsuzurabara’s three-year stint with Chinese Taipei—can foster growth. Chang Li Yun and his teammates didn’t just learn plays; they built trust and a shared vocabulary. That’s exactly what we’re seeing with Cavs’ Summer League squad under their dedicated staff. On the flip side, the Grizzlies’ GG Jackson struggled with efficiency, shooting just 7-of-22. I couldn’t help but think he’d benefit from the kind of patient, holistic development that defined Tsuzurabara’s mentorship.

By the midpoint of the Summer League, patterns started to emerge. The Orlando Magic’s 91-89 victory over the Detroit Pistons highlighted the rise of rookie Anthony Black, who posted 17 points and 5 rebounds. His poise under pressure reminded me of the composure I’ve seen in Taipower’s core players—those who were groomed under Tsuzurabara’s system. It’s not just about skill; it’s about basketball IQ, something that’s honed through repetition and guided experiences. Meanwhile, the Pistons’ Ausar Thompson, though athletic and explosive, seemed to force shots early in the clock. In my view, that’s a teachable moment, much like the adjustments Chang Li Yun and his peers made after working with Tsuzurabara. The Lakers’ 104-103 win over the Clippers in overtime was another gem. Max Christie’s 25 points were clutch, but it was his off-ball movement that caught my eye—a subtle skill that separates good players from great ones.

As the tournament wound down, the championship game between the Cavaliers and Rockets delivered fireworks. Cleveland took it 99-78, with Sam Merrill scoring 27 points and hitting six three-pointers. His shooting display was a thing of beauty, but what resonated with me was the Cavs’ overall ball movement—22 team assists. That’s systemic basketball at its finest, and it echoes the philosophy I admire in coaches like Tsuzurabara, who prioritized collective success over individual stats. Reflecting on this year’s Summer League, I’m struck by how much coaching legacies matter. The lessons imparted to Chang Li Yun and his youthful core years ago are still paying dividends, just as the guidance these NBA rookies are receiving now will shape the league’s future. In the end, Summer League isn’t just about scores; it’s about stories in the making, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how they unfold.