Conwell impresses, explains jersey change. And more from Heat’s summer league win
News, notes and observations from the Heat’s 95-85 win against Golden State late Monday night in the final game of the California Classic at Chase Center in San Francisco:
▪ This was an exceptional night for rookie second-round pick Ryan Conwell, who shot just 10 for 30 over the Heat’s first two games but was far more efficient on Monday, closing 8 for 14 from the field on a 26-point night.
Conwell, who averaged 18.5 points in Miami’s first two games, shot 4 for 7 and scored 13 points in each half.
His shot mix through three games of summer league has included a heavy diet of threes, some fadeaway jumpers and drives to the basket.
At least against summer league competition, his nifty footwork, craftiness and athleticism have allowed him to slither past defenders for layups or foul calls.
On threes, he hit 4 of 9 Monday after shooting 5 for 19 in the first two games. He chipped in five rebounds and four assists.
“He was able to get more catch and shoots; he let the game come to him a little bit more,” Heat summer league coach Wayne Ellington said. “Offensively he’s a force, makes tough shots, makes plays for others. He’s got a strong offensive game that will continue to grow.”
What’s clear is there is an NBA skill set to work with. And there’s a smoothness to his game that tantalizes.
“You know I wanted some of those shots back from last game,” he said.
Conwell wore No. 7 Monday but learned earlier in the day that he will switch to No. 4 at some point in the months ahead. Conwell’s plans to wear 7 were foiled when Giannis Antetokounmpo decided on Monday to change from No. 34 - the number he has worn his entire NBA career - to No. 7.
Conwell said the team’s equipment manager informed him earlier Monday that “big dog wants your number.”
Conwell was then assigned No. 4 and said he had “not much say” about the matter. But he was a good sport about it.
“Whatever number Giannis wants, he can have it,” he said. “I love seven but number 4” has a connection with his favorite bible verse. I’m thankful to have a number. Giannis, he gets whatever he wants.”
▪ Former Miami Hurricanes guard Tre Donaldson, on a two-way contract that could be rescinded at any time, made his first start of summer league and had some good moments, including six assists and three steals.
But he struggled with his shot on Monday, opening 0 for 5 – including a couple of ugly misses on ill-advised circus shots – and finishing 6 for 16 en route (1 for 4 on threes) en route to closing with 15 points, five rebounds and three turnovers.
Donaldson’s creativity as a passer and defensive bent give him a chance.
Among his best assists: a snazzy outlet pass to Tre White for a basket, and a drive and dish to Arnas Sakenis for a dunk.
“Tre is feisty guard, causes havoc, gets his hand on a lot of deflections, is disruptive,” Ellington said.
More will be needed to keep the Heat’s two-way eyes from wandering during the Las Vegas portion of summer league.
▪ The Heat opened with a lineup of Conwell, Donaldson, J’Vonne Hadley, Kansas swingman White and Southern Illinois center Sakenis.
Conwell and Hadley, who were teammates at Louisville last season, are the only players who have started all three Heat summer league games. Hadley was very active, closing with seven points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in 24 minutes.
And White had a strong night, with 16 points (including a tomahawk dunk) and four rebounds.
Three players who logged heavy minutes in the two previous games -- Vlad Goldin, Jahmir Young and Trevor Keels -- got the night off.
Myron Gardner remained out with an ankle injury sustained during Friday’s Heat opener. Gardner and Conwell are the only players under contract to the Heat; they’re two of Miami’s 12 players with standard contracts.
▪ Ellington gave minutes to several players who hadn’t played a lot, including Sakenis, White, former South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson, former Indiana Pacers guard Kendall Brown, former Clemson tight end Ian Schieffelin, ex-LSU guard Cam Carter and ex-Syracuse guard Nate Kingk.
Brown, who has 19 games of NBA experience, hit two threes.
Schieffelin, who played football last season because had used up his basketball eligibility, used his bulky frame to grab eight rebounds on an 11-point night.
Sakenis blocked two shots after finishing 11th in Division 1 in blocks per game last season.
▪ The peaks and valleys in team performance during summer league games usually aren’t worth chronicling. We’ll make an exception for this one because the Warriors somehow made this somewhat interesting late after trailing by 30 at the break.
Miami, which went 2-1 in San Francisco, used torrid three-point shooting (11 for 20) to take a 59-29 lead at a half.
The Warriors then began the third with a 25-4 run, a stretch during which the Heat missed 15 of 16 shots. But Miami steadiest itself and the Warriors never drew closer than 10 in the final quarter.
▪ Monday’s game at Chase Center was played in front of only team executives, coaches, media and friends and family of the players.
▪ Two young Heat veterans put up big numbers on a larger stage, in World Cup qualifying competition.
Nikola Jovic’s numbers in Serbia’s 94-78 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina: 32 points on 11 of 16 shooting, 7 of 9 on threes, three blocks.
Pelle Larsson’s numbers in Sweden’s 88-79 victory over Slovenia: 31 points on 10 of 21 shooting, 10 free throws in 15 attempts.
▪ The Heat now moves on to the Las Vegas Summer League, where Miami will play at least five games, beginning with a matchup against the Bucks at 4 p.m. EST Friday on Prime and WPLG-10.
This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 11:48 PM.
