Kel’el Ware Is Growing Fast-and Making Heat History Along the Way
Player development in the NBA rarely follows a straight line. It’s full of peaks, valleys, and the occasional leap that makes you sit up and take notice. Right now, Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware is making that kind of leap-and doing it in a way that’s turning heads across the league.
In just his second season, the 7-footer is starting to put it all together. Through 29 games, Ware is averaging 12.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game while shooting a scorching 66.1% true shooting. That’s not just efficient-that’s elite-level finishing from a young big still finding his footing in the league.
And while his rookie year had its ups and downs-15 double-doubles in 64 games-Ware’s already logged 12 double-doubles this season. But it’s his most recent performance that stamped his name into the Miami Heat history books.
A Historic Night at the Garden
Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks may not have ended in a win for Miami, but for Ware, it was a statement performance. He dropped a team-high 28 points and pulled down 19 rebounds, shooting an ultra-efficient 11-of-15 from the field and knocking down 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Let’s pause there-5 made threes from a 7-footer who just turned 21? That’s not just rare. That’s historic.
In fact, it was unprecedented for the Heat. Ware became the first player in franchise history to record at least 28 points, 19 rebounds, and five made threes in a single game.
Only seven other players in NBA history have ever hit that statistical trifecta-and none of them have done it more than once. That list includes names like DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Love, and, yes, Karl-Anthony Towns-the very player Ware matched up against that night.
Here’s the full list of players to hit that 28-19-5 mark in a single game:
- Chris Boucher (2021-22)
- DeMarcus Cousins (2017-18)
- Rashard Lewis (2001-02)
- Raef LaFrentz (2000-01)
- Bill Laimbeer (1990-91)
- Kevin Love (2010-11)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (2024-25)
- Kel’el Ware (2025-26)
That’s elite company for a second-year player still figuring things out.
A Coach’s Confidence, A Player’s Growth
After the game, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t just point to the stat line-he pointed to the habits.
“I like the things that he’s doing,” Spoelstra said. “Everybody on the outside will just notice the stats.
He’s doing winning things. It’s not always just about the stats.
He’s come a long way. He’s improving.
I want him to play with confidence.”
That confidence is showing up in more than just the numbers. Over his last three games, Ware is averaging 24.7 points and 15.0 rebounds while hitting 11 of his last 14 attempts from deep. That’s not a hot streak-it’s a young player unlocking a new level in real time.
Ware’s combination of size (7-foot-5 wingspan, 9-foot-5 standing reach) and touch is already making him one of the league’s more effective rebounders. While there are still some inconsistencies with his box-outs and positioning-typical for a player his age-he’s learning how to use that length to dominate the glass.
“I felt good,” Ware said after Sunday’s game. “Just with more reps and more reps I’m gonna get it down.
Get used to knowing how far I can be from a guy and figuring out my length better. That’s the main priority: Go out there and get rebounds.
The points will come throughout the flow of the game.”
That quote tells you a lot. Ware isn’t chasing stats-he’s focused on doing the little things right, knowing the rest will follow. That’s the kind of mindset that wins in Miami’s system.
Still 21-And Still Just Getting Started
Let’s not lose sight of the big picture here: Kel’el Ware is only 21 years old. He’s still learning the game at the NBA level, still adjusting to the speed, the physicality, and the demands of being a nightly contributor. But the flashes are becoming more frequent-and more impactful.
Growth, as we know, isn’t linear. But when a young player starts stacking games like this, it’s a sign he’s turning the corner.
Ware is doing more than just putting up numbers-he’s building habits that win games. And in Miami, that means everything.
The Heat are back home Tuesday night to face the Toronto Raptors. If Ware keeps trending upward, we might be witnessing the early stages of something special.