​The Atlanta Hawks closed out their Salt Lake City Summer League schedule on a high note Tuesday, pulling off a 96-82 win over the Memphis Grizzlies to finish 2-1 in Utah. With several key players resting, including No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, No. 8 overall pick Kingston Flemings, No. 23 overall pick Zuby Ejiofor, and other notable veterans, Atlanta still delivered a strong show and earned the double-digit victory.
Six Hawks players finished with double-digit scoring, led by guard Devon Higgs. Higgs, who went undrafted in 2023, is pursuing a place in the NBA after an unusual path that saw him play his college basketball at Division II Georgia Southwestern State University rather than at a Division I program. On Tuesday, Higgs made a compelling case for his candidacy, delivering 22 points on an efficient 7-for-9 shooting night, including 2-for-3 from three-point range. He complemented his scoring with five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, continuing to showcase his versatility and tenacity. Higgs has spent time in the G League and overseas, and his performance in Summer League will keep him on many scouts’ radar as the tournament progresses.
Other notable Hawks contributors included Isaiah Wong with 15 points and four rebounds off the bench, Zeke Mayo adding 11 points off the bench, Henri Veesaar delivering 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists, Isaac McKneely posting 12 points and five assists, and Jacob Toppin collecting 14 points and nine rebounds. The balanced attack highlighted Atlanta’s depth and potential as it builds toward a more cohesive core.
For the Grizzlies, guard Brendan Hausen led the scoring with 21 points, aided by a strong three-point shooting performance. Hausen’s breakout in Summer League follows a season in which he didn’t start a single game for the Iowa Hawkeyes, averaging only 10.2 minutes per contest. His performance adds to the intrigue surrounding several Grizzlies prospects as both teams used the opportunity to evaluate young talent.
Overall, the Hawks made a solid impression in Utah, securing two wins in three games and using the slate to sharpen their rotations before the main Summer League event in Las Vegas. With several players rested in Utah, the stage is set for a refreshed Atlanta squad to return to action in Las Vegas, where the team can build on the momentum from Utah and continue to test lineups and chemistry as they chase a potential Summer League crown.
If the Hawks carry forward the winning habits they demonstrated in Utah, they could pose a serious challenge in Las Vegas and add a compelling dimension to Atlanta’s offseason plans. A title run in Summer League would not only amplify the team’s momentum but also spotlight the growth of Atlanta’s young talent as the organization eyes a bright future. The Hawks Roundtable community welcomes fans to join the conversation and share insights on all things Atlanta basketball. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to become part of our free fan forum, where discussions, game recaps, and strategy debates keep the Hawks’ fan base connected and engaged.