In a riveting showdown that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in Summer League history, the Miami Heat clinched their first Summer League championship with a 120-118 overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. This historic win, marked by a high-scoring finale and tense overtime, set a new benchmark for Summer League championship games.
Battle to the Finish
The game was anything but straightforward. Both teams exhibited remarkable perseverance and skill, staying locked at 118 points as the clock wound down in regulation time. Under the Summer League's unique overtime rules, the teams battled to reach a target score of 120 points. Pelle Larsson became the hero of the night, scoring the decisive basket that catapulted Miami to victory.
Reflecting on his game-winning shot, 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 Night
This final wasn’t merely about the win; it was a record-breaking spectacle. The previous scoring record for a Summer League final was held by the Los Angeles Lakers, who secured a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. Miami and Memphis shattered this record, making this the highest-scoring contest in Summer League championship history. Additionally, this game marked only the second time a Summer League championship has extended into overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Key Performers
Miami's journey to the title was a team effort but fueled by standout performances. Josh Christopher led Miami with an impressive 24 points. Kel'el Ware added a significant double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Alondes Williams also contributed 21 points. Cole Swider and Pelle Larsson provided crucial support, scoring 19 and 16 points respectively.
On the losing side, Jake LaRavia led the Grizzlies with an astounding 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr., who scored 29 points and dished out 11 assists, and GG Jackson with his 28 points, were integral to Memphis's valiant effort. Despite their incredible individual performances, Memphis fell short in the nail-biting final moments.
Pivotal Moments
The game was a tug-of-war filled with pivotal moments. Swider's late-game heroics put Miami in the lead with 19.6 seconds left in regulation, making the score 113-110. However, Jackson quickly responded, tying the game with a three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds remaining. Williams was then called for a charge with only 4.2 seconds left, giving Memphis one last shot at victory in regulation, but Pippen missed a crucial three-pointer, sending the game into overtime.
Coach Dan Bisaccio praised the team's 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."
Individual Accolades
The tournament also saw Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson honored as the Summer League MVP. Averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, Wilson's performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of spectacular. He shot an impressive 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc, securing his 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 Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, highlighting the depth of talent on display throughout the Summer League.
This Summer League championship was a testament to the thrilling unpredictability and high-caliber talent the event continues to showcase. As Miami basks in their hard-earned victory, the bar has been set even higher for next year's competition.