By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Consolation games in the NBA Summer League 2026 in Las Vegas placed a bright spotlight on a wave of European talent making an impact for their respective franchises.
The Sacramento Kings edged past the Charlotte Hornets in a tight 92–90 contest at the Pavilion, with Israeli guard Emanuel Sharp and Alex Karaban, who roots from Ukrainian and Belarusian heritage, starting and putting in 16 and 14 points. Off the bench, Russian center Viktor Lakhin provided a massive interior boost, registering a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. In the narrow defeat, the Hornets received immense production from their German tandem, with Hannes Steinbach posting a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double and Christian Anderson Jr. producing 18 points. French forward Tidjane Salaun matched that effort, also securing 18 points in a starting role.
In a more lopsided affair at the venue, the Dallas Mavericks cruised to a commanding 110–88 victory over the New York Knicks. Even with Spanish playmaker Sergio de Larrea sitting out, they relied heavily on European starters, including Greek guard John Poulakidas leading the charge with 18 points, followed closely by Russian prospect Vsevolod Ishchenko, who logged 15. Spain’s Jorge Diaz-Graham was highly efficient, imposing his will to secure a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. His twin brother, Guillermo Diaz-Graham, provided eight points in reserve duty alongside French athletic forward Lucas Dufeal, who registered six. Great Britain’s Tobi Lawal also cracked the starting unit but was held scoreless. On the opposing side, France’s Pacome Dadiet got 19 points, though German guard Jack Kayil went scoreless in his minutes.
Drama unfolded as the Los Angeles Clippers outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 128–120 overtime thriller. They benefited immensely from players of European descent, as Sean Pedulla, who comes from an Italian family background, masterminded the offense to finish with a spectacular 24-point, 11-assist double-double. Fellow Italian-heritage forward Nick Martinelli weaponized the frontline with 18 points, while Spanish big Baba Miller displayed his versatile skillset by contributing 15 points to the winning effort.
Interior presence was also on display at the Thomas and Mack Center, where the Miami Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons 101–87. Russian center Vladislav Goldin concluded his summer showcase with a well-rounded stat line of eight points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. In the same building, the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Chicago Bulls a 100–91 loss. Also, the Utah Jazz secured an 83–79 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in the Pavilion.
The remaining consolation matchups, semifinal brackets, and the upcoming championship game will be played over the weekend.
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