Miami Heat Claims First Summer League Championship in Thrilling Overtime Victory Over Memphis Grizzlies
In a nail-biting contest that will be remembered for years, the Miami Heat emerged victorious with a 120-118 overtime win against the Memphis Grizzlies, clinching their first Summer League championship. This historic game, held under the bright Vegas lights, set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals and showcased the exuberant talent of emerging stars.
Both teams put on a scintillating display of basketball, locked at 118 points before heading into overtime. Following Summer League overtime rules, the teams competed fiercely to reach a target score of 120 points, with Pelle Larsson scoring the decisive basket that crowned Miami the champions.
Larsson's crucial point capped off an extraordinary night where Miami’s offensive depth came to the fore. Josh Christopher led the team with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware and Alondes Williams each contributed 21 points. Ware also pulled down 10 rebounds, displaying his prowess on both ends of the court. The team’s balanced attack included Cole Swider’s 19 points and Larsson's 16, underscoring the collaborative effort that drove Miami to victory.
"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 reflected on his clutch performance.
The Grizzlies were no pushovers, as Jake LaRavia spearheaded their offense with a stunning 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. notched a double-double with 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points, including a pivotal three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds remaining in regulation that sent the game into overtime. The Grizzlies showcased resilience throughout, but Pippen's last-second three-pointer miss allowed the game to extend into the frantic, final moments.
Swider initially put Miami in the lead with 19.6 seconds left in regulation, making it 113-110, only for Jackson to tie the game dramatically. As regulation time ticked down, an offensive charge called on Williams gave Memphis a last-gasp opportunity, but Pippen's missed three-pointer ensured the thrilling showdown went into overtime.
"[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," said Miami's coach Dan Bisaccio, praising the perseverance of his squad.
This championship game was not only a thrilling contest but also historic, marking the highest-scoring final in the history of Summer League. The previous record was held by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 with a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Furthermore, it was only the second time a Summer League championship game required overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Adding to the celebrations, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP after averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during the tournament. Wilson, who shot 47.3% from the field and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc, earned a spot on the Summer League first team along with GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller. The second team featured notable contributors such as Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
Miami's triumph was a testament to their depth, teamwork, and tenacity, setting a high bar for future Summer League competitions. This thrilling game will be a reference point for the sheer competitiveness and the high level of play that defines the Summer League, as emerging stars set sights on making their mark in the upcoming NBA season.