Miami Claims First Summer League Championship in Thrilling Overtime
In a game that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in Summer League history, Miami clinched their first Summer League championship with a nail-biting 120-118 overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The emotionally charged contest set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals and required extra time to determine a winner.
The tightly contested game saw both teams locked at 118 points as they entered overtime. Under Summer League overtime rules, the first team to reach a target score of 120 points would be crowned champions. Miami's Pelle Larsson, who had an impressive performance throughout, scored the deciding basket, sealing the historic win for Miami.
"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, reflecting on the decisive moment.
This championship game broke several records, including the highest-scoring contest in Summer League championship history. Previously, the record was held by the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-98 in 2017. This game also marked only the second time in Summer League history that a championship game extended into overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Leading Miami's charge was Josh Christopher, who delivered a stellar performance with 24 points. He was supported by Kel'el Ware, who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams also contributed significantly, adding 21 points, while Cole Swider scored 19 and Pelle Larsson finished with 16.
On the other side, the Grizzlies' offense was spearheaded by Jake LaRavia, who led all scorers with 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. had a standout game as well, contributing 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points. Despite their efforts, the Grizzlies fell just short in the end.
The closing moments of regulation were as dramatic as the game itself. Swider put Miami in the lead with a clutch basket, making the score 113-110 with 19.6 seconds left. However, Jackson tied the game with a three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds remaining. Williams was then called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, and Pippen's missed three-pointer in the dying seconds sent the game into overtime.
Reflecting on the game, Miami’s Coach Dan Bisaccio said, "[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."
While Miami celebrated their championship, individual accolades were handed out for outstanding performances throughout the Summer League. Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during the tournament. Wilson shot an impressive 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc, securing his spot on the Summer League first team alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured notable contributors such as Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, further highlighting the depth of talent showcased throughout the tournament.
In conclusion, Miami's victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the Summer League championship was a testament to their resilience and skill. The game not only provided thrilling entertainment but also set new records and left a lasting impression on fans and players alike. As the teams look forward to the next season, this championship game will undoubtedly be remembered as a high point in Summer League history.