The Atlanta Hawks opened their Las Vegas Summer League run with a strong start after wrapping up play in Salt Lake City. On Thursday, Atlanta dominated the San Antonio Spurs, taking control in every quarter and finishing with a 93-66 win. All three Hawks selections from the 2026 NBA Draft took the floor against San Antonio, with the latest pick delivering the standout performance.
Henri Veesaar, selected No. 52, came off the bench to lead the Hawks in scoring with 14 points on 5-for-8 shooting and 2-for-5 from three-point range, adding six rebounds as well. Among the higher picks, Kingston Flemings (No. 8) and Zuby Ejiofor (No. 23) also played, though neither had a definitive showcase. Flemings finished with five points on 2-for-7 shooting but contributed eight assists, underscoring his playmaking ability. Ejiofor posted 12 points on a 2-for-7 night, along with four rebounds, three assists, and a handful of opportunities where he impacted the game beyond the box score.
Atlanta’s supporting cast contributed meaningfully as well. Asa Newell produced 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, strengthening the Hawks’ energy and versatility. Isaac McKneely added 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while RayJ Dennis totaled 10 points, two rebounds, three assists, and three steals, showcasing a well-rounded impact on both ends of the floor. Kobe Johnson recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, and three steals or “stocks,” reflecting his keep-right-involved style. Keshon Gilbert contributed 10 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals, highlighting his all-around game.
On the Spurs’ side, four players reached double figures, but the team struggled overall, shooting just 33.8 percent from the field and 11.8 percent from three-point range. The Spurs also committed 22 turnovers, a combination that underscored the difficulty of competing at the Summer League level, even with talented young prospects.
Looking ahead, the Hawks’ next game in Las Vegas is scheduled for Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets. A key storyline to watch as the Vegas slate continues is Flemings’ development as a scoring option. While he has offered strong playmaking through three Summer League games, averaging 7.3 assists per game, his scoring efficiency has not yet followed suit. He enters the upcoming contest at roughly 10.3 points per game, shooting about 30.3 percent from the field and 30.0 percent from beyond the arc. If Flemings can unlock a more consistent scoring punch, Atlanta could maximize its chances at securing a Summer League title in Las Vegas.
As the Hawks push deeper into the Summer League, fans can expect continued opportunities for the 2026 draft picks to demonstrate their growth and potential. The performances of Veesaar off the bench suggest he could be a valuable asset in developing frontcourt depth, while Flemings and Ejiofor will be evaluated for how their skill sets translate to more prominent roles as the tournament progresses. The Hawks’ Las Vegas run promises to offer plenty of intrigue, particularly around how these young talents adapt to the higher pace and physicality of Summer League basketball.
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Content Source: Yahoo News
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