On Day 2 of the 2024 California Classic, the Miami Heat rebounded from a tough opening loss to Golden State with a lopsided win of their own over the Sacramento B-Team. The result moves both teams to 1-1 in the exhibition series.
Both teams played on the second day of a back-to-back after competing on Day 1 of the 2024 NBA Summer League on July 6. Sacramento entered the contest off the heels of a high-scoring win over the Los Angeles Lakers on opening day but could not go 2-0 in their first two games.
California Classic: Miami Holds Off Sacramento
Found a way to get the win ☑️ pic.twitter.com/HCLnGwT0Fb
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 7, 2024
In a high-scoring affair from the Chase Center on July 7, the Miami Heat rebounded in the California Classic to prevent an 0-2 start with a 102-86 win over Sacramento’s B-Team. After scoring just 66 points against Golden State the day before, the bounce-back effort was encouraging for the Miami prospects.
After a rough debut, Miami’s prized rookie Kel’el Ware showed out against Sacramento to lead the team with 26 points and 11 rebounds. The former Hoosier added three assists and one block to complete his well-rounded box score. Cole Swider was second on the team with 21 points, including five three-pointers on 10 attempts.
In a losing effort, Sacramento was driven by Jordan Ford with an efficient 22 points, shooting 8-for-13. Only two other players on the team reached double figures, with the team shooting just 42 percent from the field.
Big Performance from Kel’el Ware
defenders beWARE 😤 pic.twitter.com/TbY6COtWVH
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 7, 2024
Following a disappointing performance against the Warriors, no. 15 overall pick Kel’el Ware was much more encouraging on Sunday. Ware, who was profiled as an athletic center ahead of the draft, made 12 of his game-high 21 field goal attempts, including numerous eye-opening dunks.
Showcasing his defensive skills in the opening contest, Ware noted post-game that he felt significantly more comfortable on offense on Day 2. He received a slightly more favorable matchup against Golden State but, more importantly, displayed increased confidence and awareness in all aspects.
Though has still yet to make a three-pointer — going 0-2 in his second game — Ware showed off an encouraging mid-range game, including at one point sinking a Dirk Nowitzki-esque one-legged fadeaway.
Cole Swider Stays Hot From Deep
Aside from the breakout showing from Kel’el Ware, Miami collected another formidable performance from sharpshooter Cole Swider. After spending the 2023-2024 season on a two-way contract with the Heat, Swider has started off the California Classic going a combined 9-for-16 — 56 percent — from deep.
As the lone bright spot of the team against Golden State, Swider led Miami with 17 points while making four of his six three-point attempts. Swider one-upped his strong outing with a better game against Sacramento, posting 21 points on 7-for-12 from the field and 5-for-1o from downtown.
If there is a knock on his game thus far, Swider has left a lot to be desired defensively, but his shooting ability at his size has only boosted his profile as he vies for a roster spot in the fall.
What Comes Next
Once the Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers game concludes on July 7, the two-day slate from the Chase Center will conclude the first half of the California Classic. Following a brief hiatus — in which the Salt Lake City Summer League will commence — the teams will return to action on July 10.
Miami will next face Los Angeles at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on ESPN2 and ESPN+. Sacramento will follow them shortly after against Golden State at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on NBA TV.
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