Joel Bartilotta, RotoWire
The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards, 89-88, in the first round of the Las Vegas Summer League playoffs at Cox Pavilion on Wednesday.
It was a close game throughout, as there were nine ties and 13 lead changes in total, with neither team ever capturing a double-digit lead. However, Miami (3-1) outscored Washington (0-4) by a score of 25-14 in the third quarter, while also out-rebounded the Wizards 42-32. The Heat’s eight blocks were critical to their victory, as well.
Four of the five players that reached double figures for the Wizards came off the bench, with Sheldon McClellan — the only starter of the bunch — tallying 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Marcus Keene led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists. Ike Diogu amassed 15 points and five rebounds.
Miami’s leading scorers also came off the bench; Justin Robinson provided 19 points, two rebounds and three assists on 7-of-9 shooting, while Lamond Murray Jr. totaled 17 points and five boards. Zach Auguste led the starters with 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists before fouling out.
Miami will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday in Round 2 of the Summer League playoffs.
