Grizzlies Set Up Summer League Final vs Warriors

The Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up for a July 19 showdown against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Summer League championship at 8 p.m. CT in Las Vegas. This marks the second time in three years the Grizzlies have reached the final after a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Heat in 2024. With a revamped roster and high‑profile prospects, the 2026 offseason is already being billed as a potential turning point for the franchise.

Jerami Grant Rejoins the Grizzlies After Blazers Trade

Jerami Grant, the forward who arrived in Memphis as part of the Ja Morant trade, is now a key piece for the team’s summer league run. Grant’s presence adds experience and scoring depth to a roster that is still reshaping under new leadership. Watching Grant play in Las Vegas will give fans a preview of what the Grizzlies hope to bring to the regular season.

The Grizzlies have already proven they can compete with the Warriors this summer, winning a tight contest 106‑85 on July 14. Cam Boozer contributed 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists in that victory, showing the potential of the franchise’s third overall pick. Javon Small erupted for 26 points, highlighting the depth of Memphis’s backcourt.

Cam Boozer’s Impact in Las Vegas

Boozer, the 21st overall selection, has played three summer league games and looks like the kind of talent the Grizzlies need moving forward. He oftenlined up against rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, a Memphis native, adding a rugged defensive presence. If his summer league form carries into the regular season, Boozer could be the catalyst the team has been missing.

Karim Lopez’s Uncertain Summer

While Boozer has shined, the 21st overall pick Karim Lopez has struggled to find his footing after a hamstring injury. Lopez logged just 11 minutes in one summer league game, collecting four rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks on July 16. His limited play raises questions about how much he can contribute early in the season.

The 2026 draft class also includes Richie Saunders, who joined the trio at the Grizzlies’ introductory press conference on June 25 at FedExForum. The event highlighted the franchise’s commitment to rebuilding through careful talent acquisition.

Summer League History and What’s at Stake

Memphis last captured a summer league title in 2019 when Brandon Clarke earned MVP honors, mirroring the current optimism surrounding the young roster. After a promising 2021‑22 campaign that saw the Grizzlies finish second in the Western Conference, the team is again hoping a strong finish in Las Vegas signals better things ahead.

Summer league may not always predict postseason success, but with the additions of Boozer, Lopez and Grant, a championship in Las Vegas could mark the beginning of a new era for Grizzlies basketball. Fans will be watching closely as the team looks to turn this offseason’s investments into wins come October.

The Grizzlies’ path forward will hinge on whether these summer league performances translate into on‑court success. If the roster can build on the momentum from Las Vegas, the 2026 season could be one the franchise remembers for years to come.

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Reach Commercial Appeal sports intern Said Bravo at [email protected] for more coverage and analysis.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What to know before NBA Summer League final between Grizzlies and Warriors