The Miami Heat had a busy night on Saturday evening, even though they didn’t play a game or make a move, at all, as an actual NBA franchise. However, the Olympic Exhibition game between Team USA and The Nigerian National Basketball Team, D’Tigers, featured four players from the Miami Heat.
Gabe Vincent, Precious Achiuwa, and KZ Okpala all suited up and played key roles for Team Nigeria, while Bam Adebayo did the same for Team USA. Everybody, Miami Heat associated, had great nights.
KZ Okpala was a key piece of what the Nigerian Team did defensively. He found himself matched up against the guards out ahead of the defense on several occasions.
Achiuwa also had his fair share of moments. He showed more of that versatility that got him drafted by the Miami Heat.
The Miami Heat had a pretty good night on Saturday, though Team USA took an upset loss. Their pups had the best of luck though.
In example, he sank a three in the contest for his Nigerian Team and that’s something that wasn’t seen this past season with the Miami Heat, as he missed his one and only attempt from deep territory. He also had a pretty big block on Kevin Durant.
THIS IS ART!!
— D’Tigers | Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) July 11, 2021
Born in Nigeria. @PreciousAchiuwa pic.twitter.com/BDuRJHhK9N
The real hero for the Nigerian Team though on the night seemed to be Gabe Vincent. A guy brought in for his shooting with the Miami Heat, as told, he then developed into a pretty savage defender as his shot floated throughout the year, but also showed a bit of versatility, all-around, on the offensive end before the season was out.
It was all on full display Saturday night. It’s not that much of a stretch to say that he led this Nigerian Team to the upset over Team USA.
In the effort, he would finish with 21 points and six made three pointers. That’s quite the showing for the Miami Heat developmental piece.
The Heat don’t have him locked up yet, but do have the right to extend a qualifying offer. He’ll likely be in Miami again this coming season, as his value is becoming too good to not have.
Hopefully, that’s the case. On Saturday though, he can just enjoy one of the biggest wins in Nigerian National Basketball Team history, exhibition game or not.