Rockets secure Summer League semifinal berth with Thornton’s 23-point performance
Bruce Thornton’s efficient shooting and Tristen Newton’s scoring output helped Houston finish the group stage with a 3-1 record, setting up a Saturday clash against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Houston Rockets have advanced to the 2026 NBA Summer League semifinals following a decisive 17-point victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The win concludes the group stage for Houston with a 3-1 record, securing their place in the knockout rounds through a tie-breaker based on a +10.3 point differential.
Point guard Bruce Thornton led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 7-for-13 from the field and 50 per cent from three-point range. Thornton, a former Ohio State guard selected 31st overall, has averaged 21.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and three steals across his first four Summer League contests.
Rockets two-way player Tristen Newton contributed significantly to the victory, scoring 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Newton’s performance included six rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block, providing a secondary scoring threat that complemented Thornton’s offensive output.
The victory over Brooklyn’s top point guards, Egor Demin and recent No. 6 overall pick Mikel Brown Jr., solidified Houston’s standing in the tournament. The team’s consistent performance throughout the group stage allowed them to edge out other 3-1 teams via the point differential tie-breaker.
Houston will now face the Memphis Grizzlies in the semifinals on Saturday. The Grizzlies are led by Cameron Boozer, setting up a high-stakes matchup for the Rockets as they look to transition from group stage success to tournament contention.
