NBA 2K26 Summer League: Jones Leads Nuggets Over Lakers
Curtis Jones Shines as Nuggets Dominate Lakers in Summer League Showdown
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Curtis Jones delivered a stellar performance, capping off a strong NBA 2K26 Summer League showing with an remarkable stat line of 22 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, adn 2 steals, leading teh Denver Nuggets to a commanding 106-84 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. The game, held at the Thomas & Mack Centre, saw the Nuggets pull away in the final quarter to secure their second win of the Summer League.
Nuggets Break Away in Fourth Quarter to Seal Victory
The contest remained tight through the first three quarters,with nine ties and 14 lead changes. Neither team managed to build a significant advantage, with the lead never exceeding six points.However, the Denver Nuggets flipped the script in the final 12 minutes, outscoring the los Angeles Lakers 30-15 to decisively take control of the game.
Denver’s offensive efficiency was on full display,as they shot a remarkable 52 percent from the field.Their dominance was notably evident in the paint, where they outscored the Lakers a staggering 62-26. The Nuggets also capitalized on transition opportunities, holding a significant 21-6 advantage in fastbreak points and a 19-7 edge in points off turnovers, showcasing their ability to convert defensive stops into offensive momentum.
Key Performances for Both Sides
While the Nuggets secured the win, several players made notable contributions for both teams.
Nuggets’ Offensive Firepower
Leading the charge for the Denver Nuggets was Curtis Jones, whose all-around game was instrumental in their victory. Beyond his 22 points, Jones dished out 8 assists, grabbed 5 rebounds, and added 2 steals, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the floor.
The Nuggets’ bench also provided a significant spark. Reyne Smith came off the bench to contribute 17 points and 3 assists, while Donovan Williams added 16 points and 6 rebounds. Terrence Hargrove Jr. rounded out the double-digit scorers for Denver with 12 points and 6 rebounds, highlighting the depth of talent on the Nuggets’ Summer League roster.
Lakers’ Efforts Fall Short
For the Los Angeles Lakers, who finished their Summer League campaign with a 1-4 record, Cole Swider was the lone starter to reach double figures, scoring 17 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. The Lakers’ bench showed flashes of potential, with R.J. Davis leading the reserves with 17 points and 3 assists. Ethan Taylor also had a solid outing, tallying 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while Sir’Jabari Rice chipped in with 14 points and 3 boards. Despite these individual efforts, the Lakers struggled to contain the nuggets’ potent offence and efficient scoring in the paint.
This victory marks a positive end to the Summer League for the Nuggets, showcasing the growth and potential of their young players, particularly the standout performance from Curtis Jones.