The Bulls lost the game, but Caleb Wilson owned the night.
Chicago’s No. 4 pick scored 35 points in a 97 to 96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, setting the Las Vegas Summer League record for points in a debut. He shot 12 for 21 from the field and made 7 of his 11 attempts from 3 point range.
Wilson also recorded 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals against a Memphis team led by No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer.
The performance came after Wilson spent nearly 5 months away from competitive basketball. A fractured thumb ended his season at North Carolina and prevented him from playing during the final stretch of the college schedule.
Any concern about rust disappeared quickly. Wilson opened Chicago’s scoring with a 3 from the top of the key, settled into his rhythm, and kept attacking as the game developed.
Memphis eventually secured the victory, but Wilson produced the performance that defined the night.
Wilson Shakes Off The Rust
The Grizzlies tested Wilson from the opening possession. Boozer attacked him directly and used his strength to create space near the basket.
A few minutes later, Boozer stripped Wilson in the backcourt and completed the play with a dunk. It was the kind of early mistake that could have unsettled a player returning from a long absence.
Wilson responded by staying aggressive.
He continued taking open shots, finding space away from the ball, and attacking before the Memphis defense could set. His release looked smooth, and the early turnover did not affect his confidence.
The long wait shaped how Wilson described the night afterward.
“Today just felt like I had been waiting so long to get back on the court,” Caleb Wilson said.
Once the game began, that anticipation turned into controlled aggression. Wilson trusted his shot and never appeared reluctant to test his range.
He also remained involved defensively. One of his 3 blocks came on a chasedown rejection, while his 2 steals reflected his activity in passing lanes and his willingness to compete away from the ball.
Those defensive plays mattered because Chicago placed a heavy offensive burden on him. Scoring can earn a lottery pick early minutes. Consistent effort on defense can keep him on the floor.
The Shot Making Takes Over
Wilson’s confidence became clearer as the game progressed.
One of his best possessions came with 7:10 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Cedric Coward stayed close and challenged the attempt, but Wilson created separation with a step back and buried a difficult 3 over the defender’s outstretched arm.
Chicago’s bench rose immediately. The crowd also responded as Wilson showed that his range extended beyond open catch and shoot chances.
His efficiency separated the performance from a typical Summer League scoring burst. Wilson reached 35 points on only 21 attempts. He did not spend the night forcing difficult shots simply to build a large total.
Instead, he recognized openings, stayed balanced, and allowed the offense to develop around him.
Wilson scored from the top of the key, connected off the catch, and created space from the dribble. Memphis changed defenders and increased its physical pressure, but neither adjustment pushed him out of rhythm.
The forward scored 21 points after halftime and became Chicago’s clear offensive focus. Even when Memphis knew where the ball was going, Wilson continued finding clean looks.
Boozer And Memphis Hold Their Ground
Wilson dominated the scoring column, but Memphis received stronger production across its lineup.
Boozer finished with 23 points on 7 for 12 shooting. He also collected 6 rebounds and handed out 4 assists, giving the Grizzlies a steady option whenever Chicago threatened to take control.
Coward added 17 points and 10 rebounds. All 5 Memphis starters scored in double figures, helping the Grizzlies overcome a difficult shooting night from beyond the arc.
Memphis used a 12 to 0 run in the opening quarter to establish control. The Grizzlies led 23 to 17 after the 1st period and carried a 51 to 46 advantage into halftime.
Their lead reached 11 points entering the 4th quarter.
Chicago then produced its strongest stretch of the game. The Bulls increased their defensive pressure, pushed the pace, and outscored Memphis 28 to 18 during the final period.
Wilson powered the comeback with consecutive late shots from deep. Boozer answered by making 2 important free throws, giving Memphis enough protection to survive the closing seconds.
The Bulls still refused to concede.
Wilson launched his final attempt from 28 feet as time expired. The shot dropped through the basket and cut the final margin to 97 to 96, but Chicago had no possession remaining to complete the comeback.
Wilson controlled the individual matchup. Memphis built enough of a cushion to survive his late surge.
What Chicago Can Take From The Night
One Summer League game cannot determine Wilson’s long term role.
Defenses will adjust. The physical pressure will increase. Making 7 shots from deep will not become an everyday result.
Still, the way Wilson produced his points gave Chicago reasons for optimism.
He scored without dominating every possession, created separation against close coverage, and continued attacking when Memphis assigned stronger defenders to him. Early mistakes did not change his approach.
Wilson’s defensive activity added another layer to the performance. A 6 foot 10 forward who can stretch the floor, challenge shots near the basket, and cover space in transition gives a coaching staff several lineup options.
There were also areas to clean up. Boozer moved him with strength on several possessions, and Wilson occasionally lost track of his assignment during defensive rotations.
His response mattered more than the mistakes. Wilson stayed engaged and continued competing at both ends.
After nearly 5 months away, he returned with confidence, range, and enough defensive activity to make the performance about more than scoring.
The Grizzlies left with the victory. Wilson left with the night everyone remembered.
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FAQs
How many points did Caleb Wilson score in his Summer League debut?
Wilson scored 35 points. He set the Las Vegas Summer League record for points in a debut.
How many 3 pointers did Caleb Wilson make against Memphis?
Wilson made 7 of his 11 attempts from 3 point range.
Did the Bulls beat the Grizzlies in Caleb Wilson’s debut?
No. Memphis defeated Chicago 97 to 96 after surviving the Bulls’ late comeback.
Why had Caleb Wilson missed nearly 5 months?
A fractured thumb ended Wilson’s season at North Carolina and kept him away from competitive basketball.
How did Cameron Boozer perform against the Bulls?
Boozer scored 23 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and added 4 assists in the Memphis victory.
