We covered the Heat’s 3-0 Summer League run in a previous article. Previously, the Heat beat the Warriors 102-99 to advance to the Summer League championship game against the Grizzlies. After a back-and-forth game, the Heat defeated the Grizzlies 120-118 in overtime to become Summer League champions. Without further ado, let’s dive deeper into this success and other topics concerning the Heat.
2024 Heat Offseason Part 10: Pelle Larsson’s Game-Winner Lifts Heat Past Grizzlies
The Heat’s Summer League team played the Grizzlies’ Summer League team in the Summer League championship game a few days ago. The game went back and forth, eventually going to overtime tied at 113. Also, under Summer League overtime rules, both teams sought to reach a target score, this time 120 points, instead of playing the usual NBA five-minute overtime period.
Pelle Larsson got the ball with the score tied at 118 and drove at Scottie Pippen Junior. Larsson won the game and the Summer League championship game with a running shot. This is the Heat’s first Summer League championship.
Josh Christopher was the game’s MVP with 24 points while Kel’el Ware had 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams had 21 points, Cole Swider had 19 points, and Larsson had 16 points. Ware was named to the Summer League first team after playing well in all of the Heat’s Summer League games. Jaime Jaquez made the Summer League second team.
It is good to see the Heat’s young players achieve this success in the Summer League. Naturally, this does not mean that these players will succeed in the real NBA. However, it is encouraging regardless. Ware’s consistently good play and Larsson’s solid performances bode well for the Heat, since both will likely feature prominently in the Heat’s bench rotation.
Additionally, Josh Christopher deserves special recognition, as well. Christopher played well and received a well-earned two-way contract with the Heat as a result.
Bam Adebayo Plays in Team USA’s Final Warmup Games
Bam Adebayo played in Team USA’s final warmup games. Team USA finished their warmup games unbeaten, defeating Team Germany 92-88 in their last warmup game. Now, Adebayo and Team USA play Team Serbia in their first group phase game tomorrow.
Team Serbia is very good and could win a medal in Paris. However, Team USA dominated Team Serbia in a lopsided 105-79 warmup game win two weeks ago. It is likely that Team USA will beat Team Serbia again and start their Olympic campaign off with a win. Team USA’s other group phase opponents are South Sudan and Puerto Rico.
Additionally, Adebayo will likely play a pivotal role against Team Serbia against Nikola Jokic. Adebayo’s growing importance to the NBA and Team USA and star power is evident in his jersey sales as well as his appearance in TNT’s video promotion their coverage of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Bam Adebayo Will Play for Team USA Tomorrow
Next, Bam Adebayo will play for Team USA in their opening group phase game against Team Serbia. Hopefully, Adebayo can contribute to a Team USA win. We will see what happens.
Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.