Miami Clinches First Summer League Championship in Thrilling Overtime Victory
In an electrifying showdown that will be etched in the annals of Summer League history, the Miami Heat prevailed over the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118, claiming their first-ever Summer League championship. The game, which required overtime to crown a winner, also set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in the competition's history.
The tension was palpable as both teams entered overtime locked at 118 points. Under the Summer League's unique overtime rules, both teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points. It was Miami’s Pelle Larsson who ultimately etched his name in the history books, scoring the decisive basket.
"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 remarked post-game, highlighting the well-executed strategy that led to his game-winning shot.
Miami's victory did not come easily. Memphis, led by an outstanding 32-point performance from Jake LaRavia, proved to be formidable opponents. Scotty Pippen Jr. and GG Jackson also delivered stellar performances, scoring 29 and 28 points respectively. Pippen added an impressive 11 assists to his stat line, emphasizing his role as a dual threat.
The game’s drama extended to the dying moments of regulation. With just 19.6 seconds left, Miami held a 113-110 lead thanks to a basket by Cole Swider. Yet, Memphis refused to back down as Jackson managed to drain a three-pointer with 10.5 seconds remaining, tying the game. In a thrilling sequence, Alondes Williams was called for a charge with only 4.2 seconds left, leaving Memphis with a final shot. Pippen's three-point attempt missed, sending the game into overtime.
Miami's success was the result of a collaborative team effort. Josh Christopher led Miami with 24 points, while Swider added 19 points. Kel'el Ware and Williams each contributed 21 points, with Ware also pulling down 10 rebounds. Larsson rounded out Miami's top scorers with 16 points.
Head coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team’s grit and determination. "[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," he said, reflecting on the trials his team faced on their path to victory.
This championship clash was the highest-scoring contest in Summer League's championship game history, surpassing the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in their 110-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. It was also only the second Summer League championship game to extend into overtime. The Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016 was the first.
While Miami celebrated their triumph, another accolade was being awarded elsewhere in the Summer League. Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson's performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency was notable, hitting 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc.
Wilson's exceptional play earned him 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 other standout performers such as Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
The Miami Heat’s Summer League championship represents a milestone for the franchise. It underscores the depth and potential residing within their roster and bodes well for the future, offering a glimpse of what might be possible as these young talents continue to develop and mature.