In a thrilling overtime showdown, Miami secured their first Summer League championship with a 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The intense matchup, held on Sunday night, set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history.
The game was fiercely contested, with both teams tied at 118 points at the end of regulation play. Under Summer League overtime rules, the teams battled to reach a target score of 120 points. Miami's Pelle Larsson ultimately scored the decisive basket, clinching the championship for the Heat.
"Coach [Dan Bisaccio] drew up a great play we've run in practice a bunch of times," Larsson explained. "They did a good job guarding it. We have shooters everywhere and they want to help, and I just made it."
This championship clash not only delivered high drama but also made history as the highest-scoring contest in Summer League finals, surpassing the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, who triumphed 110-98 over the Portland Trail Blazers. It was also only the second time a Summer League championship game extended into overtime, with the first occurring in 2016 when the Chicago Bulls edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-82.
Several players had standout performances in this high-octane game. Josh Christopher led Miami with 24 points, demonstrating his offensive prowess. Kel'el Ware was a force on both ends of the court, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams and Cole Swider each added 21 and 19 points, respectively, while Pelle Larsson finished with 16 points.
On the Grizzlies’ side, Jake LaRavia emerged as the top scorer with 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. was a dynamic presence, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. GG Jackson also made a significant impact, adding 28 points and hitting a crucial three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 113-113.
The closing moments of regulation were marked by tension and high stakes. Swider put Miami in the lead with 19.6 seconds left, bringing the score to 113-110. However, Jackson's late three-pointer equalized, sending the game into overtime after Pippen missed a three-point attempt in the dying seconds of regulation.
Coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team’s resilience and competitive spirit, stating, "[The Grizzlies] made it tough for us. That just speaks volumes to this team. Their willingness to fight through the adversity showed real grit, toughness and of course that competitive will."
In addition to the game’s drama, individual accolades were also acknowledged. Jalen Wilson of the Brooklyn Nets was honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson averaged an impressive 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during the tournament, shooting 47.3% from the field and a staggering 55% from beyond the arc. He earned a spot on the Summer League First Team, joined by standout players like GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The Summer League Second Team featured other notable contributors, including Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, highlighting the depth of talent and competition showcased throughout the tournament.
This historic game not only crowned Miami as champions but also underscored the caliber of emerging talent poised to make waves in professional basketball. Fans and analysts alike will long remember the grit, determination, and exceptional skill displayed in this unforgettable Summer League finale.