Miami Clinches First Summer League Championship in Historic Overtime Thriller
MIAMI — The Miami Heat emerged as champions with a thrilling 120-118 overtime victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, securing their first ever Summer League championship in what has now become a revered high-scoring final. This intense encounter, filled with extraordinary performances and unforgettable moments, will be remembered as the highest-scoring championship game in Summer League history.
Historic Game Sets New Benchmark
The game was poised evenly at 118-118 at the end of regulation, sending both teams into an overtime that ultimately set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals. Under the Summer League’s unique overtime rules, the first team to reach 120 points would be declared the winner. This rule ensured a nail-biting finish, with Miami's Pelle Larsson scoring the decisive basket to clinch the title.
The previous record for the highest-scoring final was held by the Los Angeles Lakers, who triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers with a 110-98 victory back in 2017. This latest championship bout not only shattered that record but also became just the second final in Summer League history to extend into overtime. The first was the Chicago Bulls’ narrow 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Key Players Shine
Josh Christopher led Miami’s charge with an impressive 24 points. Kel'el Ware demonstrated his prowess on both ends of the court, contributing 21 points and securing 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams also added 21 points, while Cole Swider chipped in with 19 points. Larsson, who sealed the win, finished with 16 crucial points 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.”
On the opposing side, Jake LaRavia spearheaded the Grizzlies’ offense with an outstanding 32-point performance. Scotty Pippen Jr. added 29 points and dished out 11 assists, while GG Jackson contributed 28 points, showcasing the depth of talent on both squads.
Drama in Regulation
The final moments of regulation were nothing short of dramatic. Swider put Miami ahead with a critical basket, leaving just 19.6 seconds on the clock and making the score 113-110. However, Jackson quickly responded for Memphis, nailing a three-pointer with 10.5 seconds remaining to tie the game. The tension peaked when Williams was called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, giving Memphis a final shot. Pippen’s three-point attempt missed as the buzzer sounded, leading to the electrifying overtime finish.
Miami's head coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team’s resilience, saying, “[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.”
Standouts and MVP Honors
The performance of Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson throughout the tournament did not go unnoticed. Wilson was named the Summer League MVP, averaging an impressive 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His sharpshooting was a highlight, as he connected on 47.3% of his field goals and an outstanding 55% from beyond the arc. Wilson's consistent excellence earned him a spot on the Summer League first team alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
Individuals making their mark on the second team included Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, all of whom were noted for their significant contributions during the tournament.
Conclusion
The Miami Heat’s inaugural Summer League championship will be remembered not just for the victory, but also for the dramatic and high-scoring manner in which it was achieved. This game represented the pinnacle of competitiveness and showcased the emerging talents ready to make their mark in the NBA. The Summer League continues to be a proving ground for future stars, and this year's thrilling finale has set a new standard for excellence and excitement.