In a thrilling conclusion that showcased the grit and tenacity emblematic of championship games, Miami edged out the Memphis Grizzlies with a 120-118 victory to secure their first-ever Summer League championship. The game, held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, required overtime to determine a winner, setting a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history.
Overtime Drama and Decisive Moments
Locked at 118 points at the end of regulation, the teams entered a rare and exhilarating phase of the Summer League finals. This championship game was only the second in Summer League history to go into overtime, following the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016. Under Summer League overtime rules, the teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points, adding a layer of strategic intensity.
Pelle Larsson emerged as the hero, scoring the deciding basket in overtime to clinch the title for Miami. Reflecting on the final play, Larsson shared, "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."
Key Performances and High Scoring
This high-scoring contest surpassed the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in their 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. The championship game saw standout performances from both teams, with Jake LaRavia leading the Grizzlies' offense with 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. added an impressive 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson contributed 28 points.
For Miami, Josh Christopher led the charge with 24 points. Kel'el Ware had a stellar game, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams and Cole Swider each added 21 and 19 points, respectively. Pelle Larsson, despite his decisive basket in overtime, had a significant all-around performance with 16 points.
Regulation Time Thriller
The final seconds of regulation were nothing short of dramatic. With 19.6 seconds left, Swider put Miami in the lead, making the score 113-110. However, Jackson tied the game with a clutch three-pointer with only 10.5 seconds left, sending the crowd into a frenzy. As the clock ticked down, Williams was called for a charge with 4.2 seconds remaining, giving the Grizzlies a chance to steal the game. Pippen's missed three-pointer at the buzzer ensured the game would head to overtime, setting the stage for Larsson's heroics.
A Recognition of Excellence
While Miami celebrated their historic win, individual accolades also took center stage. Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during the tournament, shooting an impressive 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc. His performance earned him a spot on the Summer League first team alongside notable talents like GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured standout players including Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, highlighting the depth of talent that competed in this year's Summer League.
Coach Dan Bisaccio's Perspective
Miami's coach, Dan Bisaccio, praised his team's resilience and willingness to fight through adversity. "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," Bisaccio stated.
The victory not only underscores Miami's emerging dominance in the Summer League but also serves as a testament to the competitive spirit and sheer will to win that defines this exciting tournament.