July 19, 2026, 8:30 a.m. CT
The Houston Rockets fell to the Memphis Grizzlies 101-90 in the 2026 NBA Summer League semifinals.Second-round pick Bruce Thornton struggled with his shooting but contributed eight rebounds and seven assists.Quadir Copeland led the Rockets with 24 points, while Daishen Nix added 16 points off the bench.Houston was the only semifinalist without a first-round pick from the 2026 NBA Draft.
Of all the teams in the 2026 NBA Summer League semifinals, the Houston Rockets were the only one participating without a first-rounder from the 2026 NBA Draft. However, Bruce Thornton, selected No. 31 overall, certainly fit the bill.
Unfortunately for the Rockets, Thornton endured the most inefficient game of his summer league campaign Saturday night, scoring eight points on 2-for-12. That said, the former Ohio State Buckeye found other ways to make an impact, tallying eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal.
Thornton’s offensive struggles left the door open for two-way player Quadir Copeland to shoulder the scoring load, leading the team with 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting with two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Daishen Nix also produced off the bench, adding 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in 23 minutes.
Despite impressive play from Copeland and Nix, the Rockets were unable to get the job done, falling to Cedric Coward and the Grizzlies 101-90. Nonetheless, Houston’s summer league squad should still be proud of their progression this offseason under head coach Will Dunn.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!