Jalen Slawson Caps Impressive Summer League with Another Standout Performance
Jesse M. Cox Published 19/07/2026
The Indiana Pacers wrapped up their 2026 NBA Summer League with their 91-73 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing the tournament with a 2-3 record. Indiana took control in the third quarter, outscoring New Orleans 29-12 and dominating the paint, 48-30.
Jalen Slawson led the Pacers with his 22 points, 4 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks. He finished Summer League as Indiana's leading scorer with 104 points and a team-best 16 blocks, strengthening his case for another opportunity with the team as a restricted free agent.
Key Takeaways
Jalen Slawson concluded the NBA Summer League with a standout performance, leading the Indiana Pacers to a victory and solidifying his case for a more prominent role with the team.
- Jalen Slawson led the Pacers in scoring and blocks during the Summer League, demonstrating his potential for a larger role on the team.
- The Pacers showcased a balanced team effort in their final Summer League game, with multiple players contributing significantly to their win.
- Beyond Slawson, other young players like Tealon Peter, Keba Keita, Rienk Mast, and Yuki Kawamura displayed encouraging performances, highlighting the Pacers' developing talent pool.
Balanced effort gives Indiana control
Indiana received important contributions from several players beyond Slawson. Tealon Peter and Keba Keita each scored 14 points, while Rienk Mast returned to the lineup with 12 points and six rebounds after missing the previous Summer League game. Mast made an immediate impact by scoring five of the Pacers' first 10 points and later described himself as a versatile stretch big capable of scoring, rebounding, and creating opportunities for teammates.
Yuki Kawamura also delivered one of the most entertaining performances of the night despite not finishing among the leading scorers. The Japanese guard recorded a team-high 12 assists, using no-look passes, alley-oops, and precise feeds to keep Indiana's offense flowing. Former Purdue guard Braden Smith contributed five points, three rebounds, and nine assists, giving the Pacers another reliable playmaker in the backcourt.
Indiana's balanced production highlighted the depth of its Summer League roster. Rather than relying on one player, the Pacers received meaningful contributions across the lineup, making it difficult for New Orleans to slow their offense once momentum shifted.
Young talent leaves encouraging signs for the Pacers
The Pelicans relied on an eight-man rotation, with Dominique Daniels Jr. leading the way off the bench. He scored a team-high 25 points while shooting 50% from three-point range. Markquis Nowell added 14 points and six assists, while Malik Dia and Christian Shumate each finished with 11 points. Solomon Washington contributed six points, 11 rebounds, and four steals in a strong defensive effort despite the loss.
Summer League is less about final records and more about evaluating potential, making performances like Slawson's especially valuable. Players are competing for standard contracts, two-way deals, and training camp invitations, and strong outings often influence front-office decisions during the offseason. For followers of NBA News, these games often provide an early look at which prospects could earn meaningful roles before the regular season begins.
Slawson strengthens his roster case
Slawson entered Las Vegas looking to build on a successful season in the NBA G League, and he leaves with a stronger argument for a permanent place on an NBA roster. Like many NBA Players trying to secure a roster spot, he used Summer League to showcase his versatility. His combination of athleticism, defense, rebounding, and improving perimeter shooting fits the profile teams increasingly value in today's game.
His Summer League performance also generated positive attention beyond the box score. National observers highlighted Slawson as one of the standout performers in Las Vegas, noting that his defensive instincts and downhill attacking style suggest he may be ready for a larger role entering the new season.
Final impressions before training camp
The Pacers leave Las Vegas with more than just a victory. Kawamura's passing ability, Peter's scoring, Mast's versatility, Keita's interior presence, and Smith's floor leadership all provided encouraging signs as the organization evaluates its young talent.
For fans following NBA News, Indiana's Summer League finale offered a glimpse of players who could soon earn larger opportunities. As the offseason continues and NBA Players compete for final roster spots, the Pacers appear to have several promising options who made the most of their time on the floor in Las Vegas.