Heat vs Grizzlies Preview: Christopher vs. Small Pippen, Who Will Claim the Summer League Championship?

On July 23 at 8 am, the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League reaches its climax as Heat faces off against Grizzlies, with the victor taking home the championship trophy.

Heat started early in the summer league, kicking off with the California Classic, where they suffered a heavy 39-point loss to the Warriors. However, they quickly adjusted and won their next two games, finishing the California Classic with a 2-1 record. In Las Vegas, Heat continued their winning streak, finishing with a perfect 4-0 record and securing their spot in the final four, topping the semi-final round. Their roster is led by 21st pick Christopher from the 2021 draft, alongside this year’s 15th pick Vel and second-round pick Larson.

In the semi-finals against the Warriors, Heat fought hard and pulled off a thrilling victory in the fourth quarter, winning 102-99. Christopher continued his outstanding performance, scoring 23 points, with 13 points coming in the final quarter. Second-round pick Larson contributed with 21 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals, while Vel from the 15th pick had 18 points and 5 rebounds. Thus, including their California Classic victories, Heat has now won an impressive 7 games in a row, maintaining a strong momentum.

Grizzlies also participated in the summer league from the start, performing poorly in Salt Lake City with a 1-2 record, but losses were within single digits. However, when they arrived in Las Vegas, Grizzlies exploded, defeating Kings and Mavericks in consecutive games, then narrowly beating Magic and Pelicans. With four straight wins, Grizzlies successfully advanced to the final four. Initially aiming to evaluate 9th pick Zach Eddie, Grizzlies’ plan changed due to an injury, giving opportunities to Small Pippen and GG Jackson.

In the semi-finals against Clippers, the game went down to the wire, with Small Pippen making a crucial 2+1 play, followed by Brown missing one of two free throws, allowing Grizzlies to win 99-98 and advance to the finals. Small Pippen performed exceptionally well, recording a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. GG Jackson added 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while this year’s second-round pick Wells emerged as a surprise contributor, making 6 out of 7 three-pointers for a total of 28 points. Consequently, Grizzlies turned the tide in Las Vegas, winning all five games and advancing to the finals.

The final showdown will be between Christopher and Small Pippen, with the player who performs better likely gaining the upper hand in the MVP race. It remains to be seen which team will emerge victorious in this summer league championship.

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