Kenny Lofton Jr. shines, Memphis Grizzlies rest three draft picks in loss to OKC

The Memphis Grizzlies rested their starting lineup and first-round pick David Roddy from Tuesday’s Summer League win, while the Oklahoma City Thunder played a group that featured Josh Giddey and No. 2 overall draft pick Chet Holgrem.

The result was a 87-71 loss on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City.

Memphis still had promising showings, led by Kenny Lofton Jr. He scored 19 points on 8-for-17 shooting. The Grizzlies shot 30.1% overall and 20.5% on 3-pointers after shooting 51.4 and 50%, respectively.

Here are three observations from Wednesday’s game.

Lofton holds it down

Lofton was the biggest beneficiary of the missing Grizzlies starters. He showed why many draft pundits viewed him as one of the top undrafted free agents. Lofton was featured in the Grizzlies’ offense and was often matched up against Holmgren. The 6-foot-7 275-pound forward bullied his way to the rim against Holmgren’s smaller 195-pound frame. Lofton also showed off his sweet touch by making two of his six 3-point attempts. He drew the approval of Ja Morant and many other onlookers with his performance. Lofton has a throwback game, but the way he shined against a tall and athletic Thunder team suggests he can impact the Grizzlies’ roster.

Shaq Buchanan leads the guards

Shaq Buchanan announced before the game that he found a new home playing overseas in Israel, but the former Memphis Hustle starter led the Summer League Grizzlies’ backcourt on Wednesday night. Buchanan scored 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Most of his struggles came from shooting 2-for-9 on 3-point attempts, but his defensive intensity and pressure was noticeable.

GAME 1 OBSERVATIONS: Memphis Grizzlies, Jake LaRavia make it rain 3-pointers in Summer League — and other observations

KENNEDY CHANDLER MAKES HISTORY: Kennedy Chandler lands pay day with Memphis Grizzlies — then seals a Summer League win

GET TO KNOW DAVID RODDY: What to know about Grizzlies draft pick David Roddy? We asked a Colorado State beat writer

Story continues

Vince Williams goes scoreless

Williams was the lone Grizzlies draft pick to suit up on Wednesday. He scored nine points and made three 3-pointers on Tuesday, but the VCU product went scoreless in his second Summer League game. Williams shot 0-for-4 on 3-pointers and struggled to get to his shot. He thrived on Tuesday with better playmakers on the floor, indicating that his game is better suited to play alongside creators while spacing the floor and getting open. His game should improve when he’s on the floor with Kennedy Chandler and Ziaire Williams.

Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies lose to Chet Holmgrem, OKC Thunder in Summer League