Miami Seals Historic Summer League Championship in Overtime Thriller
In a nail-biting finale that had fans on the edge of their seats, Miami emerged victorious with a 120-118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, clinching their first Summer League championship. The contest, already an intense showdown, required overtime to crown a winner and has set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history.
The game was a see-saw battle, with both teams locked at 118 points before the additional period began. Under Summer League overtime rules, the teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points. Pelle Larsson etched his name in the record books by scoring the decisive basket in the extra frame, securing Miami's historic win.
"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," Larsson said after the game.
This championship game was the highest-scoring contest in the history of Summer League championship games, surpassing the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 with a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. It was also only the second championship clash in Summer League history to extend into overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Miami's Path to Victory
Josh Christopher led Miami's offense with an impressive 24 points. Kel'el Ware contributed significantly with a double-double, adding 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams and Cole Swider also made crucial contributions, scoring 21 and 19 points, respectively. Larsson, the hero of the overtime, finished with 16 points.
Swider played a pivotal role in the final moments of regulation, putting Miami in the lead with 19.6 seconds left, making the score 113-110. However, Memphis' GG Jackson tied the game with a clutch three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds remaining. In a dramatic twist, Williams was called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, giving Memphis a final shot at victory. Scotty Pippen Jr. missed a three-pointer in the dying seconds, sending the game into overtime.
Grizzlies' Grit and Grind
Despite the loss, the Memphis Grizzlies showcased their depth and tenacity. Jake LaRavia was the standout performer, leading their offense with a game-high 32 points. Pippen Jr. also had an outstanding game, scoring 29 points and recording 11 assists. Jackson added 28 points, further underscoring the Grizzlies' balanced attack.
Reflecting on the game, Miami's Coach Dan Bisaccio said, "[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."
Honoring the MVP and All-Summer League Selections
Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP, an accolade he earned by averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game throughout the tournament. Wilson's sharpshooting was a key factor in his success, as he shot 47.3% from the field and an outstanding 55% from beyond the arc.
Wilson earned a spot on the Summer League First Team alongside Memphis' standout performers GG Jackson and Scotty Pippen Jr., Miami's Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller. The Second Team featured notable contributors such as Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, along with the exceptional MVP himself, Jalen Wilson.
A Historic Conclusion to the Summer League
As the dust settles on an unforgettable Summer League season, Miami's victory will undoubtedly be remembered for its dramatic finish and record-breaking performance. Both Miami and Memphis showcased emerging talents, promising an exciting future for the NBA. With players like Christopher, Ware, Larsson, LaRavia, Pippen Jr., and Jackson making their mark, the future of the league looks brighter than ever.
This season's championship game not only highlighted individual brilliance but also exemplified the essence of teamwork, grit, and competitive spirit that defines basketball at its core. As fans and players alike relish the memory of this thrilling encounter, the stage is set for even greater excitement in the next Summer League season.