In a thrilling showdown, the Miami Heat secured their first Summer League championship with a nail-biting 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The highly anticipated game, which stretched into overtime, set a new standard for high-scoring finals in the history of the Summer League.
A Fierce Battle
The contest was tightly contested from start to finish, with both teams knotted at 118 points before heading into overtime. Under Summer League rules, the teams battled to reach a target score of 120 points. The decisive moment came when Pelle Larsson sunk the winning basket, clinching the championship for Miami.
"Coach [Dan Bisaccio] drew up a great play we've run in practice a bunch of times," Larsson said after the game. "They did a good job guarding it. We have shooters everywhere and they want to help, and I just made it."
The high-energy game not only showcased the talent on both sides but also broke the previous scoring record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, where they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-98. The exciting conclusion to the game highlighted the competitive spirit and resilience of the Miami team.
Standout Performances
Miami's victory was a team effort, with multiple players stepping up at crucial moments. Josh Christopher led the team with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware and Alondes Williams each contributed 21 points. Cole Swider, who put Miami in the lead with just 19.6 seconds left in regulation, added 19 points to the tally. Larsson himself finished with 16 points.
On the opposing side, Jake LaRavia was a standout for the Grizzlies, pouring in 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. added an impressive 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson scored 28 points, including a clutch three-pointer that tied the game with just 10.5 seconds left in regulation.
Tensions and Turnovers
The closing minutes of regulation time were filled with dramatic twists. Swider's basket gave Miami a 113-110 lead, only for Jackson's three-pointer to tie the game shortly after. Williams was called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, and Pippen Jr. missed a potential game-winning three-pointer, sending the game into overtime.
The championship game marked only the second time in Summer League history that the final went into overtime. The first instance occurred in 2016 when the Chicago Bulls edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-82. Bisaccio praised his team’s determination, stating, "[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 MVP
Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson had an outstanding tournament, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 47.3% and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc. His performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the Summer League first team alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured notable players such as Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker. The inclusion of these standout athletes underscored the high level of competition and talent on display throughout the Summer League tournament.
As the dust settles on this memorable Summer League, the Miami Heat's victory not only adds a historic chapter to the league's legacy but also sets the stage for exciting prospects ahead. With young talents like Josh Christopher and Pelle Larsson coming through in clutch moments, the future looks bright for Miami's next generation of basketball stars.