Heat, Grizzlies, Win Nail-Biting Summer League Semi-Finals

The NBA Summer League has provided fans with plenty of high-quality games, and the Semi-Finals were no different. The two games were separated by a combined total of just FOUR points! The Heat prevailed over the Warriors, as Memphis outlasted the Clippers. Along with the close finishes, there were some standout performances, from guys who’ve been doing it all tournament for their respective teams.

Miami Heat vs Golden State Warriors

The Heat kept their perfect Summer League record alive in a thriller of a game. Josh Christopher led the way for Miami with 23 points. He was followed by Pelle Larsson, the 44th pick in the 2024 Draft, who had 21.

Kel’el Ware looks more and more like the big man of the future for the Heat, protecting the rim well and scoring 18 points of his own. His progression could lead to having Bam Adebayo start at Power Forward for the Heat, which is a thrilling proposition.

The Warriors took their first loss of the Summer League, despite a big 31-point, 11 rebound game off the bench from 2017 lottery pick Kevin Knox. The former Knick couldn’t be stopped offensively, shooting 12-17 from the field. Pat Spencer (14 PTS, 7 AST), was good as well in his 27 minutes.

Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Clippers

Another game that came down to the wire, and it was the Grizzlies who come out on top. Scotty Pippen Jr. was instrumental with a 23-point triple double, and a clutch ‘and-1’ with less than a minute remaining to put Memphis up.

39th overall pick Jaylen Wells was electric offensively for the Grizz, dropping a smooth 28 points on 6/7 from downtown. GG Jackson also dropped 20, continuing his strong performances in the Summer League.

As for the Clippers, they lose their first game of the tournament by the barest of margins. It’s a tough way to go out, but there were many positives to take away from this tournament. None more so than the play of Jordan Miller, the 48th pick in 2023. Miller led the Summer League in PPG (25.4) out of anyone that played more than 2 games. 

Clippers second-round pick this year, Cam Christy, showed off his 3-point shooting in this one, hitting 6 of 11 attempts from three. He finished with 22 points, as Miller ended with 28, but ultimately they came up just short, as Memphis won 99-98.

On To The Final

Miami vs Memphis is going to be a tough battle, both teams feature guys with NBA experience and some lethal scoring weapons. The game starts 8 pm EST today in Las Vegas.