The Memphis Grizzlies went into their third and final game of summer league action in Salt Lake City with a shortened roster. Many of the previous starters rested, while other players got extended opportunities against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Memphis led by as many as 14 points before the 76ers took control early in the third quarter. The Grizzlies fought back after trailing by as many as 16 points and got within one with 1.9 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

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The Grizzlies got a steal on a Sixers inbounds pass, but a near fullcourt heave shot fell short. Memphis dropped its Salt Lake City summer league finale in a 91-90 loss on July 8.

Here are three takeaways from the Grizzlies’ summer league loss at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

Missing in action

Memphis rested all of its starters from the first two summer league games. Zyon Pullin, Cam Spencer, GG Jackson, Jaylen Wells and Armando Bacot all sat out against the 76ers.

Rookie Grizzlies guard Javon Small also missed his second consecutive game while nursing a groin strain.

In addition to those absences, Grizzlies first-round pick Cedric Coward has yet to make his summer league debut while recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in college. Coward is considered doubtful to play in summer league, but he hasn’t been ruled out. There is a small chance that Coward could play in Las Vegas if he performs well in five-on-five action and contact drills.

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Jahmai Mashack stats

Jahmai Mashack didn’t get a chance to play in the Grizzlies’ first summer league game, but he has made his presence felt in the last two. After fouling out on July 7, Mashack stayed out of foul trouble against the 76ers.

Mashack joined the starting lineup and had a quality performance. He continued to be a pest defensively, but the best part of his performance was the 3-point shooting.

When Mashack first spoke to local media members inside FedExForum, he stated that he believes his shooting will surprise some people. So far through summer league, he’s been right. Mashack made three 3-pointers against the 76ers and looked confident shooting. He finished with 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting overall.

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There’s no understating the importance of Mashack’s growth as a shooter. It’s his ticket to a long and impactful NBA career. He was arguably the best perimeter defender in the 2025 draft class, so that’s where he’s expected to make the biggest difference. However, if he can consistently knock down 3-pointers, Memphis may have found a steal with the last pick of the draft.

Vying for a spot?

With the usual starters out, several other players had a chance to make a bigger impact. Tyler Burton took advantage of that opportunity as much as anyone. The 6-foot-7 forward led the Grizzlies with 23 points. He knocked down five 3-pointers and shot 6-for-11 overall.

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The Grizzlies have a crowded group of forwards on the roster, but Burton’s performance will be something to monitor through the remainder of summer league action.

What’s next

The Grizzlies now will head to the Las Vegas summer league tournament. Memphis will play four games before vying for a chance to win the championship. Last season, Memphis lost in the championship game against the Miami Heat.

Summer league action in Las Vegas begins on July 10, but the Grizzlies will play their first game on July 11 against the Boston Celtics (3 p.m., NBA TV).

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies summer league highlights: Jahmai Mashack, Memphis takeaways