Miami Clinches First Summer League Championship in Overtime Thriller Against Memphis
In a matchup for the ages, the Miami Heat emerged triumphant with a 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, securing their first Summer League championship in a contest that required overtime to determine the winner. This year’s final set a new benchmark for high-scoring affairs in Summer League history, surpassing the previous record held by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017.
The regulation period ended with both teams locked in a 118-point stalemate, necessitating an overtime period to decide the champion. Under Summer League overtime rules, both teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points. It was Pelle Larsson who delivered the decisive basket, etching his name in Summer League lore.
Reflecting on the game-winning play, 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."
The contest was a showcase of offensive firepower, grinding into an intense and memorable duel. Jake LaRavia spearheaded the Grizzlies’ attack with a stellar 32-point performance. Scotty Pippen Jr. was equally impressive, contributing 29 points and an astounding 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points to keep the Grizzlies in contention.
For Miami, Josh Christopher led the scoring with 24 points. Kel'el Ware posted a strong double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams matched Ware's point total, while Cole Swider and Pelle Larsson added 19 and 16 points respectively. Swider’s critical basket with just 19.6 seconds left in regulation initially put Miami ahead 113-110, but Jackson tied it up with a clutch three-pointer, leaving the game in a deadlock with 10.5 seconds remaining.
A fierce exchange in the final moments saw Williams called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, giving Memphis a chance to snatch the game in regulation. However, Pippen Jr. missed a three-pointer at the buzzer, paving the way for the tension-filled overtime period.
Heat Coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team’s tenacity and resilience. "[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," Bisaccio remarked. Indeed, it was Miami's undying spirit that ultimately powered them to victory in a game that will be remembered for years to come.
This championship clash marked only the second time in Summer League history that a final had extended into overtime. The first occurrence was in 2016 when the Chicago Bulls narrowly edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-82.
Adding to the night's festivities, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson, who averaged an impressive 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game throughout the tournament, was a standout performer. Shooting 47.3% from the field and a scorching 55% from beyond the arc, he earned a well-deserved spot on the Summer League first team, which also included GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller. The second team featured notable contributors like Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
This high-scoring, thrilling encounter between Miami and Memphis offered a riveting conclusion to the Summer League, showcasing the burgeoning talent and competitive spirit that promises to shape the future of the NBA. As both teams reflect on this memorable clash, the performances and moments from this game will undoubtedly inspire the next wave of basketball stars.