Meleek Thomas Shines in Cavs' Win Over Heat in Summer League
Newsweek · C · trust 28/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Meleek Thomas put on a scoring display Monday night, and the Cleveland Cavaliers had little trouble turning it into a win.
The second-round pick broke out for a game-high 35 points as the Cavaliers rolled past the Miami Heat 90-73 in NBA Summer League action at The Pavilion. Thomas was simply in rhythm from the opening minutes, shooting 14-for-23 from the field and knocking down five of his nine attempts from three-point range. That's impressive stuff.
For a player trying to make an impression in a crowded summer league setting, Thomas made his case loud and clear. He wasn't just getting shots either, adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals while providing the kind of offensive action Cleveland needed.
The Cavaliers controlled the game in the areas that usually decide these summer matchups. They outscored Miami 50-38 inside, and after a tight opening quarter, they started pulling away.
Cleveland held a slim 21-20 advantage after the first period, but the second quarter changed the feel of the night. The Cavaliers outscored the Heat 26-16 in the frame, heading into halftime with an 11-point lead and a much better grip on the game.
Miami briefly threatened in the third quarter, but Cleveland shut down any comeback hopes early in the fourth.
Jaxson Robinson finished as Cleveland's second-leading scorer with 13 points and six rebounds. Malaki Branham added 11 points, four rebounds, an assist and two steals as the Cavaliers got contributions beyond Thomas' big night.
The Heat were led by Tre Donaldson, who scored 22 points on 10-for-18 shooting while adding four rebounds and three assists. Jahmir Young chipped in 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. J'Vonne Hadley and Nate Kingz each finished with 10 points. So, they have some solid players, too.
Miami was without rookie second-round pick Ryan Conwell, who sat out because of a hip injury.
The Cavaliers return Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Heat will face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday.
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