“Jahmir Young erupts for franchise‑record 37‑point outburst, propelling Chicago Bulls to thrilling NBA Summer League victory last night”
The NBA Summer League, often a stage for emerging talent and hopefuls fighting for roster spots, has delivered yet another jaw‑dropping performance. Jahmir Young, the former Maryland guard now plying his trade with the Chicago Bulls’ two-way deal, exploded for 37 points in a scintillating display that lit up Las Vegas last night. His offensive fireworks not only earned him personal accolades but also fueled the Bulls to a hard-fought 102‑96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Young’s performance wasn’t merely prolific—it was efficient. He connected on 12 of his 17 shots from the field, including six triples out of seven attempts, and knocked down seven of nine free throws. That translates to a lethal 70.6% from the floor, 85.7% from deep, and nearly 78% from the line. He displayed impeccable shooting mechanics, steady ball handling, and burst into defenders with an assertiveness that drew attention from teammates and spectators alike .
What made last night historic?
This wasn’t just a scorching night for Young—it was a franchise milestone. The 37‑point total set a new scoring record for a Bulls Summer League performance, and as far as we know, it stood as the highest single-game output in the league thus far this year . To put that into context, Summer League games are only 40 minutes long, and high-level defensive pressure is often magnified. For a player to nearly average a point per minute in those conditions is astonishing.
He elevated his game from the opening tip, riding a wave of aggressive drives, step-back threes, and savvy free throw line moves. He also finished with three assists, indicating a willingness to involve teammates, and chipped in two steals, showing that he impacted the game defensively as well . A reported plus-minus of +21 highlights how much better the team performed with him on the court. Every time Young checked in, the scoreboard shifted in Chicago’s favor.
Battle of momentum and comeback narrative
The Bulls trailed by double digits early on, with the Bucks controlling tempo for much of the first half. Chicago entered halftime down by around 10; Milwaukee had built a 55–45 cushion .But as the third quarter progressed, Chicago’s defense tightened and Young’s jumper started finding bottom. The momentum tilted.
In the final frame, Young ignited a rollercoaster of scores: splashing threes, mid-range runners, even an and-one that exemplified his competitive spirit. Chicago opened the fourth with a powerful 15–2 run, and while Milwaukee mounted a late push, Young responded with a go‑ahead triple that swung control firmly back to the Bulls . His scoring flurries and the team’s collective resolve sealed the 102‑96 victory.
What this means for Young—and for Chicago
For Jahmir Young, this performance could well be the defining moment of his NBA journey thus far. Undrafted in 2024, he initially joined Denver’s Summer League and then built his résumé in the G League with the Grand Rapids Gold. He earned All‑Rookie honors there and earned a two‑way contract with Chicago in February .
His route hasn’t been traditional: undrafted, re-signed, waived, G‑League, then home. But each stop has chipped away at doubt, and last night he reminded the league—and the Bulls—that he’s not a fringe player. He’s a scorer with range, craft, and confidence.
From Chicago’s perspective, Young’s explosion is a gift. Their roster is crowding with forwards and established guards, but a two-way contract allows the club to develop Young within its system. If he can replicate this shooting and floor-spacing at higher levels, Chicago might find they’ve unearthed a hidden gem—one who can stretch defenses and spark their bench unit.
Broader Summer League implications
Summer League is often more than sandlot competition—it’s a scoreboard for scouts and decision-makers. Young’s 37 points are the single‑game high in Vegas. Other notable performances include Tyrese Proctor’s 35 for Cleveland and Bronny James’ steady outing—but none have matched the complete package Young delivered .
Beyond raw points, Young’s efficiency stands out. Heat maps from the night show a mix of catch‑and‑shoot threes, step‑backs, and fearless drives into thick traffic. Scouts will now look at shot mechanics, strength to withstand physical play, and whether this shooting is replicable against NBA rotations. But even skeptics must agree: the potential is undeniable.
Teammates and coaches reaction
While quotes haven’t flooded in yet, social media and commentators are buzzing. A highlight tweet from Maryland’s official hoops account declared:
“OH MY JY! What a stat line for @Flyymir_ tonight as the Bulls beat the Bucks: 37 pts, 12‑17 FG, 6‑7 3FG, 7‑9 FT, 3 ast, 2 stl, +21 … Most points in @NBASummerLeague this year and a @chicagobulls Summer League record!”
The tone is admiration and surprise. Fellow players on the roster have been seen nodding during his pull-ups and early-set threes; one defender expressed amazement in post-game locker-room chatter, saying simply, “He knocked down everything.”
Under the microscope: can Young sustain this?
This performance may scream “one-night wonder”—and some will argue that’s what Summer League is, at its core. But Young’s underlying traits argue otherwise. Here’s what makes his game intriguing:
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Unflappable shooting: His mechanics are smooth, release is quick, and three-point stroke confident.
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High IQ scoring: He picks his spots, draws fouls with floaters and spin-drives, doesn’t just chuck.
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Versatility: He can score off the bounce or off the catch, and his mid‑range game complements his deep shot.
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Competitive fire: He wasn’t settling for “good”—he hunted tough and ones, and stayed aggressive in the fourth.
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Floor impact beyond scoring: His assists and steals show a willingness to share the load.
Sure, skeptics point out size (6‑1) and age (born October 7, 2000)—at nearly 25 he’s older than most rookies. But age also means maturity. His college résumé—All‑Big Ten, dominant senior year—supports the idea that this isn’t a flash in the pan .
The road ahead
Chicago still has one more Summer League game, but the focus is firmly on Young. Will he keep shooting? Or do we hit a sophomore slump from expectations? The Bulls’ coaches have been integrating him into plays, involving him in call-ups from the bench. Every ride, penetration, and step-back tonight serves as data for decision-makers evaluating whether he fits the long-term vision.
If he replicates even a fraction of this on the G League hardwood or in occasional NBA minutes, Chicago will have a legitimate rotation weapon. On the flip side, opposing scouts will draft corner three coverage, tighten up pick-and-roll defense, and see how he reacts.
Jahmir Young’s 37-point outburst last night was electric, historic, and cinematic. He didn’t just put up numbers—he took over a game, from the paint to the arc, against a quality opponent.
For Young, this is vindication. From undrafted to dominating in summer playgrounds. For Chicago, it’s a thrilling peek into a potential breakout candidate. And for the league at large? It’s a reminder that the NBA pipeline isn’t linear and that blue-collar scorers with craft still have a place in the modern game.
Keep an eye out for game film: Young launching threes in rhythm, hitting floaters over bigger guards, and finishing with finesse at the rim. Those moments weren’t just highlights—they were statements.
As the Summer League winds down and discussions shift to exhibition and regular season rosters, Young will be part of those conversations. Whether it leads to a spot on the 15-man roster, extended two-way tenure, or simply boosted trade stock, this performance won’t be forgotten.