Miami Clinches Summer League Championship in High-Stakes Overtime Thriller
In a game that needed every second of overtime, Miami emerged triumphant with a 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, securing their first Summer League championship. The electrifying contest set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history, breaking the previous record held by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017.
A Game for the Ages
Both teams were deadlocked at 118 points before the overtime period, a testament to the competitive spirit exhibited by both squads. Miami's Pelle Larsson ultimately scored the championship-deciding basket in overtime, bringing an end to what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling games in Summer League history.
The game marked only the second time a Summer League championship has extended into overtime. The first occasion came in 2016 when the Chicago Bulls claimed a narrow 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"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, shedding light on the pivotal moment.
Star Performances Under the Spotlight
Josh Christopher led the charge for Miami with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware and Alondes Williams both contributed significantly, each adding 21 points. Ware also pulled down 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. Cole Swider chipped in with 19 points, making crucial plays, including a three-pointer that put Miami in the lead with just 19.6 seconds left in regulation. Larsson rounded out Miami’s top performers with 16 points.
Despite the loss, Memphis' Jake LaRavia delivered an outstanding performance, leading all scorers with 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. added 29 points and dished out 11 assists, while GG Jackson dropped 28 points, extending the game into overtime with a last-second three-pointer in regulation. It was Pippen’s missed opportunity from beyond the arc in the dying moments of regulation that paved the way for overtime.
The Road to Victory
Under Summer League’s unique overtime rules, both teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points. Miami's road to victory was anything but easy. The Grizzlies' relentless effort pushed them to their limits. Head coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team's resilience, saying, "[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 Best
Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game throughout the tournament. Wilson’s efficiency on the court was evident, shooting 47.3% from the field and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc. His commendable performance also earned him a spot on the Summer League first team alongside standout players such as GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel’el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured Jalen Wilson once more, along with notable contributors including Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
Conclusion
The Miami-Memphis showdown will go down in the annals of Summer League lore as a high-octane, nail-biting contest that underscored the quality and potential of young NBA talent. As Miami celebrates their first championship, both teams can take immense pride in the effort, skill, and tenacity displayed on the court, heralding a bright future for the players involved.