The Miami Heat sat most of their key players in their third game of the 2024 California Classic but still topped the Los Angeles Lakers by a final score of 80-76.
Bronny James returned for Los Angeles after missing the last game but could not leave much of an impact. The Heat end their California Classic effort with a 2-1 record with the Lakers dropping to 0-3. Both teams will now have two days to prepare for the official 2k25 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas beginning on July 12.
Miami Tops Los Angeles in the Final Game of the 2024 California Classic
Ended on a 12-0 run to get the W! pic.twitter.com/BvN5HHphUI
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 11, 2024
While they had to work for it at the end, the Miami Heat shut out the Los Angeles Lakers over the final three minutes of the game to win their final contest of the 2024 California Classic.
Los Angeles’ Tommy Kuhse got into the paint for a layup with 3:04 remaining in the game to give his team a 76-68 lead that would end up being the Lakers’ final points of the contest. Miami would go on an ensuing 12-0 run to close out the game and leave Los Angeles scoreless in the Classic.
Without top players Kel’el Ware, Cole Swider, and Pelle Larsson, the Heat were led by Keshad Johnson and Alondes Williams, both of whom pitched in with 21 points. Williams would finish one rebound shy of a double-double but it would be Johnson having the bigger impact across the entire game, chipping in with eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks.
Another Letdown Performance From Bronny James
A lot of pressure has been on Bronny James in his first NBA Summer League and the burden has seemed to be impacting the 19-year-old early on. After missing one game earlier in the California Classic with a minor knee injury, James returned to the court on July 10 to record just three points, five rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes.
James, however, was impactful defensively, notching two steals and three blocks. Overall, the USC product ended the game with a positive plus-minus of +8, being one of just three members of the team to do so.
With his knee problems seeming to be mostly behind him, James is expected to travel to Las Vegas for the 2K25 Summer League. The teenager’s father, LeBron James, is currently in Las Vegas for Team USA training camp.
Keshad Johnson Shines with Key Teammates Resting
His name isn't @kj_showtime0 for nothing…
Keshad Johnson put on a show in tonight's win with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kD3XrZXCag
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 11, 2024
The Heat used their final game of the California Classic as a rest day for most of their key players, allowing some of its other players to get more exposure. Of that group, undrafted rookie Keshad Johnson shined in the opportunity, going an efficient 8-for-14 from the field while showing his true skills as a lockdown defender.
Before even taking the court for his first game in the California Classic, Johnson had already signed a two-way contract with Miami and their G-League affiliate, Sioux Falls Skyforce. Johnson’s strong effort only added to his current portfolio that includes prior impressive performances against Sacramento and Golden State.
As a 23-year-old, Johnson is older than the typical rookie prospect after spending five years in college. In his fifth year, Johnson had his best season after transferring to Arizona from San Diego State, averaging 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Upcoming Return of Jaime Jaquez Jr.
With just two days remaining from the opening day of the 2k25 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Miami’s prized rookie from the 2023-2024 season, Jaime Jaquez Jr., joined the active roster in their final California Classic game. The rising second-year addition was announced following his inclusion in the Team USA training camp as a member of Team Select. Jacquez Jr. is expected to remain in the city while waiting for the rest of Miami to arrive.
Just before the game began, several Miami-based sources confirmed that Jaquez Jr. would play in the 2K25 Summer League beginning with their first game on July 13. The news was shocking to many with Jaquez Jr.’s last appearance in the NBA being a part of Miami’s starting lineup in the playoffs. The UCLA alum was also named a top-five rookie of his class in May with an All-Rookie First-Team nomination.
Regardless, all signs point to Jaquez Jr. participating in his second NBA Summer League in just a few days.
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