In a thrilling climax to the Summer League, Miami secured its first championship in an epic 120-118 overtime victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. The contest, packed with tension and high stakes, saw both teams locked at 118 points before entering the nail-biting overtime period.
Overtime Drama
The game, which already set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history, was decided by a clutch performance from Miami's Pelle Larsson. Larsson scored the decisive basket in overtime, etching his name in Summer League lore. Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Larsson remarked, "Coach [Dan Bisaccio] drew up a great play we've run in practice a bunch of times. They did a good job guarding it. We have shooters everywhere and they want to help, and I just made it."
Coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team's resilience and the Grizzlies' formidable challenge, saying, "[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."
Individual Brilliance
Josh Christopher led Miami's charge with an impressive 24 points. Not far behind, Kel'el Ware contributed a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams and Cole Swider also added significant contributions, scoring 21 and 19 points respectively. Larsson, besides his critical overtime basket, finished the game with 16 points.
On the Grizzlies' side, Jake LaRavia was a standout performer, leading the scoring with 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. and GG Jackson also delivered stellar performances. Pippen Jr. posted 29 points and orchestrated the offense with 11 assists, while Jackson added 28 points, including a crucial three-pointer that tied the game with just 10.5 seconds remaining in regulation.
Regulation Thrills
The intensity of the game was palpable in the final moments of regulation. Swider had put Miami in the lead by draining a clutch shot with 19.6 seconds left, making the score 113-110. However, Jackson's ice-cold three-pointer leveled the game again, pushing it into an unforgettable overtime. Miami's Williams was called for a charge with just 4.2 seconds on the clock, and Pippen Jr. missed a three-pointer in the dying seconds, setting the stage for the dramatic overtime showdown.
Historical Context
This championship clash was not just high-scoring but also historic as it became the highest-scoring contest in Summer League championship history. The previous record was held by the Los Angeles Lakers, who scored a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. Moreover, it was only the second time in the history of the Summer League that the championship game extended into overtime. The first occurrence was in 2016 when the Chicago Bulls edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-82.
Standout Recognitions
In individual accolades, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was named the Summer League MVP. Wilson was stellar throughout the tournament, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His impressive shooting percentages—47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc—secured him a spot on the Summer League first team alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured other notable contributors, including Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, highlighting the depth of talent showcased in this year's Summer League.
Miami’s victory in this high-octane, historic championship game marks a significant milestone for the franchise, showcasing the promising talent and competitive spirit that bodes well for their future campaigns. With players stepping up in crucial moments and coaches drawing up decisive plays, the Summer League provided a glimpse into the potential rise of tomorrow's NBA stars.