Klay Thompson hits 8 threes as Heat complete 20-point comeback
A last-second corner three secured a 117-116 overtime win over the Clippers, ending a four-game losing streak for Miami.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Klay Thompson sank a corner three-pointer with one second remaining in overtime to seal a 117-116 victory for the Miami Heat against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. The shot erased a 20-point deficit and ended the Heat's four-game losing streak, improving their record to 3-5.
Thompson finished with 30 points and made eight three-pointers. It was the first time since December 2023 that he hit that many long-range shots in a single game. At the time of his previous milestone, he was still playing for the Golden State Warriors. The 36-year-old forward has now joined the Heat after a free agency move following a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
The decisive play came after Bam Adebayo set a baseline screen in the left corner. Giannis Antetokounmpo inbounded the ball to Thompson, who turned and released the shot before Clippers guard Kobe Sanders could recover. Thompson described having plenty of space and noted that the left corner is his most comfortable shooting spot. He added that he felt comfortable with his footwork and release as the ball left his fingertips.
Antetokounmpo credited Adebayo for creating the opening. He stated that Adebayo got Thompson wide open and that he delivered the pass. Antetokounmpo said he has a strong sense that the ball will go in whenever Thompson takes the shot. Adebayo contributed a game-high 35 points and led a strong defensive effort in the second half.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised Thompson's physical preparation. He noted that the veteran is putting in significant time on his body to stay in shape. This effort allows Thompson to display the skills from his Hall of Fame career despite his age.
The win came after a chaotic end to regulation. Miami challenged a foul call on Pelle Larsson, but officials awarded Rui Hachimura two free throws because they determined Adebayo committed a defensive foul. Hachimura missed the first attempt and made the second, sending the game into overtime.
Spoelstra said the team earned their ice in the closing moments. He called it a rare moment of joy during a rocky start to the season, which has involved integrating Antetokounmpo after a July trade. He attributed the comeback to the team's defensive intensity and grit in the second half.
