In a thrilling showdown that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most electrifying Summer League finals, Miami claimed their first Summer League championship with a nail-biting 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The game, which required overtime to determine the winner, set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history.
Overtime Drama and Historic Scores
Both teams were tied at 118 points each as they headed into overtime. Under the Summer League's unique overtime rules, the first team to reach a target score of 120 points would clinch the title. Pelle Larsson stepped up to the occasion, scoring the decisive basket that secured Miami's victory.
Reflecting on the crucial play, Larsson credited the team's preparation and execution: "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."
This high-scoring affair eclipsed the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 when they triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers with a 110-98 scoreline. The championship game also marked only the second time in Summer League history that a final extended into overtime, following the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Heroic Performances
Miami's victory was fueled by a collective team effort, with standout performances across the board. Josh Christopher led the charge with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware made a significant impact with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams also tallied 21 points, and Cole Swider added 19 points that included a pivotal shot late in regulation. Larsson, the overtime hero, finished with a respectable 16 points.
Swider's late-game heroics nearly sealed the game in regular time, as his basket with 19.6 seconds left put Miami ahead 113-110. However, the Grizzlies' GG Jackson responded with a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 113 with just 10.5 seconds remaining, sending the match into overtime. Williams was then called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, giving the Grizzlies one last opportunity, but Scotty Pippen Jr. missed a three-pointer at the buzzer.
Grizzlies' Valiant Effort
The Memphis Grizzlies didn't go down without a fight. Jake LaRavia led their offensive efforts with an impressive 32 points, while Pippen Jr. not only scored 29 points but also dished out 11 assists. GG Jackson contributed 28 points, showcasing the depth of the Grizzlies' roster.
Grizzlies' coach Dan Bisaccio commended his team's spirit: "[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
Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP, a testament to his stellar performance throughout the tournament. Wilson averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc. His contributions earned him a place on the Summer League first team alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured other notable talents such as Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, all of whom made significant impacts during the Summer League.
As the dust settles on this historic and high-octane championship game, both teams can take immense pride in their performances. Miami's victory not only marks a milestone for the franchise but also contributes another chapter to the rich history of the NBA's Summer League.