NBA Summer League: Toronto Raptors Outlast Miami Heat in Competitive 99-90 Victory

The Toronto Raptors continued their impressive run in the 2026 NBA Summer League, defeating the Miami Heat 99-90 on July 17 at the Cox Pavilion. The Raptors used a balanced scoring attack and a strong second quarter to build a lead they never relinquished, improving their summer league record while handing Miami its second straight loss.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showed intensity typical of summer league competition, with young players and fringe roster hopefuls battling for attention. The Heat came out energetic, matching the Raptors bucket for bucket in the first quarter. However, Toronto seized control in the second period, outscoring Miami 28-19 to take a 55-44 lead into halftime.

The Heat responded after the break, tightening their defense and trimming the deficit to single digits multiple times in the third quarter. But the Raptors always had an answer, led by strong contributions from their guard rotation. In the fourth, Toronto extended the lead back to double figures and cruised to the final buzzer.

Key Moments

• First Quarter: Miami started 5-of-8 from the field, but Toronto matched with efficient inside scoring, ending the frame tied 24-24.
• Second Quarter Surge: The Raptors opened the second period on a 14-5 run, forcing a Miami timeout. Toronto’s bench produced 16 points in the quarter.
• Heat Rally Falls Short: Miami cut the lead to 72-67 with 8 minutes left in the third, but Toronto guard Jonathan Kuminga hit back-to-back jumpers to restore order.
• Free Throw Execution: Toronto went 22-of-26 from the foul line (84.6%), while Miami struggled at 68% (17-of-25).

Standout Players

For the Raptors, rookie guard Jahmai Mashack led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting, adding 5 assists and 3 steals. Forward Malik Williams contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence.

Miami was led by Pelle Larsson, who scored 17 points and dished out 6 assists. Second-year forward Jalen Bridges added 16 points and 7 rebounds. However, the Heat’s lack of depth in the second unit – which was outscored 38-24 by Toronto’s reserves – proved costly.

Season Impact and What’s Next

The win moves the Raptors to 3-1 in summer league play, positioning them well for a potential playoff berth in the showcase tournament. Head coach Patrick Mutombo praised his team’s defensive discipline after the game. “We executed our schemes and kept our composure when they made runs,” he said.

Miami (1-3) must win its final group game to have any chance of advancing. The Heat will face the Los Angeles Lakers on July 19, while Toronto meets the Phoenix Suns the same day. Both games will be critical for draft prospects and undrafted free agents trying to earn a training camp invitation.

Game details: NBA Summer League | Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas | Attendance: 4,283