In a scintillating contest that required overtime to determine a champion, Miami triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies with a 120-118 win, capturing their first Summer League title. The game, which set a new high-scoring benchmark for finals in Summer League history, saw both teams locked in a fierce battle until Miami emerged victorious with a decisive basket in the overtime period.
Overtime Drama
Locked at 118 points by the end of regulation, the championship clash took an extra session to decide the winner. Pelle Larsson became the hero of the night, scoring the game-winning basket in the overtime period. Reflecting on the crucial 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."
Larsson’s heroics capped a remarkable and record-breaking game. The previous high-scoring record for a Summer League final was the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. This Miami-Memphis showdown, however, set a new standard, becoming the highest-scoring contest in Summer League championship history.
Leading Performances
Miami’s road to victory was paved by standout performances across the board. Josh Christopher led Miami's scoring efforts with 24 points. Kel'el Ware bolstered the offense with 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Alondes Williams added another 21 points. Cole Swider and Pelle Larsson contributed 19 and 16 points, respectively.
In a tight and grueling match, Swider momentarily put Miami ahead in the closing moments of regulation, making the score 113-110 with just 19.6 seconds left. However, GG Jackson of the Grizzlies tied it up with a clutch three-pointer with 10.5 seconds remaining, sending the game into its thrilling overtime conclusion.
The Grizzlies were led by an exceptional performance from Jake LaRavia, who posted 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. supported his team with a double-double, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists, while GG Jackson contributed 28 points.
Summer League Overtime Rules
This championship game was only the second in Summer League history to extend into overtime, the first being Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016. Under Summer League overtime rules, both teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points to secure the win.
Coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team's resilience and character: "[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
Beyond the team success, individual accolades were handed out to top performers of the tournament. Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP. 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.
Wilson earned a spot on the Summer League first team, joined by GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller. The second team featured Jalen Wilson once more, alongside Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
The Miami Heat's path to their first Summer League title was a testament to their depth and determination. With significant contributions from multiple key players and the strategic acumen of their coaching staff, they carved out a place in Summer League history. As fans and analysts reflect on this high-octane final, one thing is certain: this year's Summer League provided a showcase of emerging talent and unforgettable moments.