NBA Summer League Day 13 Highlights: Emerging Talents Shine in Vegas

As the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas approaches its conclusion, Day 13 showcased a series of standout performances from emerging talents, particularly two-way players making their mark. On July 19, 2025, the Summer League's consolation games featured six teams vying for recognition, as scouts and executives assessed potential future stars in the NBA.

Maxwell Lewis of the Dallas Mavericks led the charge with an impressive game-high of 18 points, converting all four of his three-point attempts and shooting 7-for-10 overall in a decisive 92-69 victory against the Orlando Magic. This performance underscored Lewis's potential amidst a roster featuring the highly touted No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg.

Mark Armstrong, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, also turned heads with a stellar performance off the bench. Armstrong, who previously played for the Long Island Nets after attending Villanova, scored 23 points on 7-for-16 shooting, alongside seven rebounds, contributing significantly to the 76ers' 87-83 comeback win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Another standout was Vladislav Goldin of the Miami Heat. The 7-foot-1 center, who had prior experience at Florida Atlantic before transferring to Michigan, demonstrated his value with an 18-point, 10-rebound, and four-block game in a narrow victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. Goldin’s performance was particularly noteworthy given that he secured a two-way contract after going undrafted in June 2025.

In the matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz, guards Javon Freeman-Liberty and Yuki Kawamura put on an impressive display. Freeman-Liberty scored 22 points, while Kawamura contributed a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists, leading the Bulls to a 105-92 victory.

Jeremiah Fears of the New Orleans Pelicans also made a significant impact, scoring 22 points and providing seven rebounds and four assists, although the Pelicans fell short against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 113-104. Fears's performance was a bright spot for a team dealing with the absence of rookie forward Derik Queen due to injury.

As the Summer League progresses towards its final stages, these performances reflect the depth of talent emerging from the league. The Toronto Raptors secured the No. 1 seed for the playoff rounds, showcasing their strong roster and readiness for the upcoming season. The implications of these games extend beyond immediate victories; they serve as a critical platform for players to display their skills and secure positions within NBA teams.

The NBA Summer League not only provides a competitive atmosphere for burgeoning talents but also acts as a barometer for team executives assessing future roster moves. With the conclusion of the Summer League approaching, the spotlight will intensify on these players as they aim to transition into the NBA spotlight in the upcoming season.