In a thrilling showcase of skill and endurance, Miami triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies with a 120-118 victory, clinching their first-ever Summer League championship. This electrifying game required overtime to produce a winner, underlining the competitive nature of both teams.
Throughout regular play, both teams demonstrated remarkable resilience, finishing at an even 118 points, necessitating an extension into overtime. Under Summer League rules, overtime requires the first team to reach a target score of 120 points to be declared the winner. Pelle Larsson played the hero for Miami, scoring the decisive basket that sealed the historic win.
"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 commented on his game-winning shot. Larsson's final contribution was part of his 16-point performance, capping off a game that set a new high-water mark for scoring in Summer League championship history.
Prior to this contest, the Los Angeles Lakers held the record for the highest-scoring Summer League finals game, with their 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. This clash between Miami and Memphis not only shattered that record but also marked the second time a championship game extended into overtime. The first instance was the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Miami's Stellar Performances
Josh Christopher led Miami’s offensive charge with an impressive 24 points, while Kel'el Ware and Alondes Williams both added significant contributions with 21 points each. Ware also dominated on the boards, securing 10 rebounds, showcasing his strength on both ends of the court. Cole Swider and Larsson chipped in with 19 and 16 points, respectively.
Dan Bisaccio, Miami's head coach, praised his team's grit and 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." This championship victory comes as a testament to Miami's depth and resolve.
The Grizzlies' Valiant Effort
The Memphis Grizzlies were formidable opponents, with Jake LaRavia lighting up the scoreboard with a game-high 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. notched a double-double, contributing 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points, including a clutch three-pointer that tied the game at 113-113 with just 10.5 seconds left in regulation.
In the dying moments of regulation, Swider had put Miami ahead with a score of 113-110 with 19.6 seconds remaining. However, Jackson’s critical three-pointer knotted things up, sending the game to overtime after Pippen Jr. missed a potential game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation.
Honors and Recognitions
Despite not being part of the championship game, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was named the Summer League MVP. Wilson averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game throughout the tournament and displayed remarkable efficiency, shooting 47.3% from the field and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc. His stellar performances earned him a spot on the Summer League first team alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team showcased notable contributors such as Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, each player leaving a significant mark on the tournament.
A Historic Milestone
This match will be remembered not only for Miami’s first championship win but also for the exemplary display of talent and tenacity from both teams. The game featured a series of dramatic plays and high-pressure moments, culminating in a high-scoring affair that set a new benchmark for Summer League finals. It underscored the competitive spirit and the rising talent within the league, promising an exciting future for both teams and the players who performed so admirably.