Miami Claims Summer League Championship in Thrilling Overtime Victory
Miami emerged triumphant in a dramatic 120-118 overtime victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, clinching their first Summer League championship. The game, described by many as one of the most electrifying in Summer League history, was a testament to both teams' resilience and skill.
Both teams were locked at 118 points as they headed into overtime, following a nail-biting finish in regulation. Cole Swider had given Miami a slim lead with 19.6 seconds remaining, making it 113-110. However, GG Jackson answered by sinking a crucial three-pointer with 10.5 seconds left, tying the game. Miami's Alondes Williams was called for a charge with just 4.2 seconds on the clock, giving Memphis a final opportunity. Scotty Pippen Jr. attempted a game-winning three-pointer, but missed, sending the contest into overtime.
Under the unique Summer League overtime rules, the first team to reach 120 points would be declared the victor. It was Pelle Larsson who delivered the decisive basket, etching his name into Summer League lore. Reflecting on the moment, Larsson said, "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."
Record-Breaking Showdown
This championship encounter set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history. The previous record was a 110-98 victory by the Los Angeles Lakers over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. The game's 238 total points shattered the old mark, showcasing unprecedented offensive fireworks from both squads.
Josh Christopher led Miami with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware had a double-double, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams also tallied 21 points, complemented by Swider's 19 points and the game-winning 16 points from Larsson.
On the other side, Jake LaRavia spearheaded the Grizzlies' attack with a game-high 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. was instrumental as well, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. GG Jackson added 28 points, including the crucial three-pointer that forced overtime. Despite their valiant efforts, the Grizzlies fell just short in a contest that will be remembered for years.
Reflecting on his team's perseverance, Miami’s head coach Dan Bisaccio lauded the Grizzlies' challenging play. "[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," he remarked.
Recognizing Top Performers
The Summer League MVP honors went to Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson, despite his team not reaching the final. Wilson averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in the tournament, shooting an impressive 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc. His stellar performance 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 had its share of standout contributors as well, including Jalen Wilson again, alongside Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
This title game was only the second in Summer League history to require overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016. The Summer League has long been a proving ground for rising stars, and this year’s finals further solidified its place as a showcase for thrilling and competitive basketball.
As the dust settles on this historic matchup, both teams can walk away with their heads held high, having provided fans with an unforgettable display of basketball prowess. For Miami, the victory marks a significant milestone, one that will undoubtedly be celebrated by their players and supporters alike.