Unbeaten Heat dominate Raptors in Summer League matchup

It’s safe to say Friday wasn’t the Toronto Raptors‘ night.

Playing in their fourth game of the Las Vegas Summer League, the Raptors were thoroughly outclassed by the Miami Heat, who improved to 4-0 with a 109-73 win over Toronto.

The result of the game wasn’t ever in question, as the Heat broke out to a near-30-point cushion in the opening quarter, breaking out to a 32-7 lead early.

From there, the Raptors couldn’t really get into a groove until the second half, but things were well decided after their 24-point first half.

Playing without Gradey Dick and Jonathan Mogbo for the second straight game, Toronto falls to 2-2 with the loss.

Even in the defeat, 2024 first-round pick Ja’Kobe Walter led the way for the Raptors, scoring 16 points and knocking down three three-pointers as part of a 5-for-11 shooting night from the field.

Branden Carlson also scored in double-digits for Toronto, as the centre finished the night with 12 points while picking a pair of blocks inside.

The Raptors’ 45th overall pick, Jamal Shead, received a Flagrant 2 and was ejected for his closeout on Cole Swider as the Heat forward shot a three-pointer. Shead hit Swider below the belt as he passed by during the shot attempt.

Swider ended as Miami’s leading scorer, pouring in 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including a 50 per cent mark from deep.

The Heat also had double-digit efforts from Kel’el Ware, Josh Christopher, Pelle Larsson and Alondes Williams.

Ware finished with a double-double, totalling 17 points and 10 rebounds while stuffing the stat sheet, adding in two assists, four steals and one block in over 23 minutes of time on the court.

With the loss, the Raptors’ Summer League round-robin play comes to a close. They won’t be advancing to the playoffs as only the top four teams in Las Vegas will advance to the semifinals. However, Toronto will get one more game as all 26 teams that do not advance get a fifth game, either on Saturday or Sunday.

The Miami Heat continued their impressive run in the NBA Summer League with a dominant performance against the Toronto Raptors. The Heat, who remain unbeaten in Summer League play, showcased their depth and talent as they cruised to a 98-75 victory over the Raptors.

Miami got off to a strong start, taking an early lead and never looking back. The Heat’s defense was suffocating, holding the Raptors to just 32% shooting from the field. On the offensive end, Miami moved the ball well and found open looks, shooting an impressive 48% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc.

One of the standout performers for the Heat was rookie guard Max Strus, who finished with a team-high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Strus showed off his scoring ability and versatility, knocking down shots from all over the court and making plays for his teammates.

Another player who impressed for Miami was second-year forward KZ Okpala, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Okpala’s energy and athleticism were on full display, as he crashed the boards and attacked the rim with aggression.

The Heat’s Summer League roster is filled with young talent looking to make a name for themselves, and they have certainly made a statement with their strong start to the tournament. Miami’s depth and chemistry have been key factors in their success, as they have been able to rely on contributions from multiple players each game.

As the Summer League continues, the Heat will look to build on their momentum and continue their unbeaten streak. With their strong play on both ends of the court, Miami has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with and a team to watch as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.