Grizzlies Clinch Summer League Semifinal Berth With Record-Setting Rout of Hawks

The Memphis Grizzlies advanced to the Summer League semifinals Thursday after defeating the Atlanta Hawks 96-64. After a dominant start, the Grizzlies set a Summer League record for fewest points allowed in a quarter.

Memphis's defense set the tone early, forcing 8 turnovers and starting with an 18-0 run that put Atlanta in a hole. The Grizzlies shot 13-of-17 in the first quarter and led 32-2 at the end of the period, the fewest points a Summer League team has ever allowed in a quarter.

No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer scored a game-high 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists on 77% shooting, producing his best Summer League performance. He's lived up to the lofty expectations of being the third overall pick, giving Memphis nothing but confidence in its direction.

The closest Atlanta came was 23 points, following a 9-0 run late in the second quarter, but it never translated into a meaningful shift in momentum. Memphis went on to lead by as many as 36 in the second half by controlling the paint and getting shots from beyond the arc to fall. 

Memphis shot 50.0% from the field overall and controlled the glass by a 45-34 margin while also finishing with 20 assists as a team.

Isaiah Wong led a shorthanded Hawks group with 20 points and 5 rebounds, and Zeke Mayo added 10 off the bench. Atlanta was already missing Jacob Toppin, RayJ Dennis and Keshon Gilbert to injury and also rested Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor and Asa Newell, a decision made before the game despite the Hawks still holding a chance at a semifinal spot.

The Grizzlies avenged their loss to Atlanta at the Salt Lake City Summer League earlier this month. The Hawks defeated Memphis 96-82 in that prior matchup on July 7, but Memphis was missing Boozer, Walter Clayton Jr., and Cedric Coward. With its key young players back Thursday, Memphis ensured there wouldn't be a repeat of that result.

The win moved Memphis past other 3-1 teams to the No. 2 seed on point differential, helped by a 21-point win over the Warriors two nights earlier. Memphis will face the No. 3 Houston Rockets in the semifinals Saturday at 5:30 p.m. CT on Prime Video, with the winner advancing to face the Lakers-Warriors winner in the July 19 championship game at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Memphis has kept its top players on the floor throughout the week with the title in mind, a contrast to Atlanta's decision to rest three regulars Thursday. Boozer and Coward, both projected as regular-season starters for Memphis, have continued playing extended minutes instead of getting shut down.