Miami Captures Summer League Championship in Thrilling Overtime Battle
The Miami Heat emerged victorious in a heart-stopping showdown, clinching their first Summer League championship with a 120-118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The electrifying game, which required overtime to crown a winner, set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in the history of the Summer League.
As the clock wound down in regulation, both teams were deadlocked at 118 points, ensuring that the title would be decided in overtime. Miami's Pelle Larsson became the hero of the night by scoring the deciding basket in the extra period, securing the hard-fought win. "Coach [Dan Bisaccio] drew up a great play we've run in practice a bunch of times," Larsson remarked. "They did a good job guarding it. We have shooters everywhere and they want to help, and I just made it."
This championship game was not merely a contest; it was a historical event that redefined scoring standards in the Summer League final. The previous high-scoring record was held by the Los Angeles Lakers, who achieved a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2017 championship. The game also marked the second time a Summer League championship had extended into overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Exceptional Performance from Both Teams
Josh Christopher led Miami with an impressive 24 points, supported by Kel'el Ware, who contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams and Cole Swider also played pivotal roles by scoring 21 and 19 points respectively. Larsson, who would eventually score the game-winner, finished with a commendable 16 points. Miami showed depth and versatility, highlighting the collective talent that contributed to their triumphant run.
Memphis wasn't far behind in terms of firepower. Jake LaRavia led their offensive charge with 32 points, while Scotty Pippen Jr. added a double-double with 29 points and 11 assists. GG Jackson rounded out the Grizzlies' key contributors with 28 points. "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," praised Miami's coach, Dan Bisaccio.
Decisive Moments in Regulation and Overtime
As the high-scoring affair unfolded, Swider had initially put Miami in the lead with just 19.6 seconds left in regulation, making the score 113-110. However, Memphis forced overtime thanks to a dramatic three-pointer from Jackson with only 10.5 seconds remaining. In the final moments of regulation, Williams was called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, and Pippen missed a three-pointer, sending the game into an unforgettable overtime.
Under the unique Summer League overtime rules, the first team to reach 120 points would be crowned the champions, adding a strategic layer to the intense competition. Miami rose to the occasion, with Larsson delivering when it mattered most.
Jalen Wilson Shines, Earns MVP Honors
Though Miami and Memphis captivated audiences in the championship clash, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson left an indelible mark on the tournament. Wilson was named the Summer League MVP, thanks to his stellar average of 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His shooting accuracy was equally impressive, boasting a 47.3% field goal percentage and a remarkable 55% from beyond the arc. Wilson's standout performances earned him a spot on the Summer League first team, alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team recognized other notable contributors, including Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, further underlining the depth of talent on display throughout the tournament.
A Night to Remember
The 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and high-scoring contests in Summer League history. Miami's triumph, sealed by Larsson's clutch performance in overtime, not only secured their first championship but also set a new high-water mark for excitement and competition in the Summer League. Their grit and teamwork under the strategic guidance of Coach Dan Bisaccio demonstrated why they were the deserving champions of such a prestigious event.