Derrick Jones, Jr. scored 19 points to help the Miami Heat defeat the Sacramento Kings, 86-76, on Thursday in the California Classic Summer League at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
Miami took the lead early on, finishing the first quarter with an eight-point advantage. That lead expanded to double digits by halftime, as the Heat’s relentless defense held Sacramento to just 34 first half points. Sacramento began to push back early in the fourth, knocking down back-to-back jumpers to cut the lead to five points. Just as the momentum was beginning to shift, though, Miami’s Yante Maten knocked down a three-pointer while drawing a shooting foul from Sacramento’s Harry Giles. The four-point play bumped Miami’s lead back up to nine points and helped them maintain the advantage for the remainder of regulation.
Jones, Jr. added seven rebounds to his team-high scoring outburst. Miami also saw strong production from sophomore big man Bam Adebayo, who finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Sacramento’s Justin Jackson led all scorers with 26 points, including four three-pointers. Second overall pick Marvin Bagley had a relatively quiet night, finishing with one point and three rebounds on only two field goal attempts.
Up next, both teams will head to the Vegas Summer League. The Kings open things up Saturday against the Suns, while the Heat face off with the Pelicans on Saturday as well.
