Full Breakdown
Heat Rally to Win NBA Summer League Finale in Las Vegas
7/18/2026, 1:05:23 PM
Heat’s Fourth-Quarter Surge Secures Summer League Title
The Miami Heat erased a 15-point deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons 101-87 in the NBA Summer League championship game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Detroit led 72-66 after three quarters, but the Heat outscored the Pistons 35-15 in the final period to claim the victory.
Key Performers and Contributions
Tre Donaldson anchored Miami’s comeback, posting 20 points (13 in the fourth quarter), 10 assists and eight rebounds for a double-double. Teammates Tre White added 21 points, including four three-pointers, while Ezra Ausar contributed 15 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Detroit’s top scorer was first-round draft pick Ebuka Okorie, who recorded 27 points, four rebounds and three assists. Brice Williams tallied 15 points before being ejected in the fourth quarter, and Chaz Lanier added 11 points with four assists. Rookie center Ugonna Onyenso recorded two blocks in 22 minutes.
Game Statistics and Turning Points
- Final score: Heat 101, Pistons 87.
- Fourth-quarter differential: Heat +35, Pistons +15.
- Donaldson’s fourth-quarter output: 13 of his 20 points.
- Detroit’s lead peaked at 15 points early in the fourth.
- Technical fouls: Brice Williams received a flagrant-1 foul in the third quarter and two technical fouls in the fourth, leading to his ejection with 2:52 remaining.
Controversy and Ejections
The contest grew contentious after a third-quarter flagrant-1 foul on Brice Williams following a confrontation with Ezra Ausar. Williams accumulated a second technical foul in the fourth quarter, prompting his ejection shortly before the Heat’s decisive run.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tre Donaldson scored 13 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and finished with a double-double to lead the Miami Heat to a 101-87 comeback victory over the Detroit Pistons in their NBA summer league finale Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.” — ESPN recap
- “However, the Heat exploded in the fourth, outscoring Detroit 35-15 to seize control.” — ESPN recap
- “Williams was later ejected with 2:52 left in the game after receiving his second technical foul following a verbal exchange.” — ESPN recap
- “The guard, selected 17th in the 2026 draft, also had four rebounds and three assists.” — ESPN recap
