The Miami Heat captured their first Summer League championship in dramatic fashion, edging out the Memphis Grizzlies in a high-scoring overtime thriller, 120-118.
The clash set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history, eclipsing the previous record held by the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. This year's contest was not only the highest-scoring game in Summer League championship history but also the second to extend into overtime, joining the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
A Nail-Biting Finish
The teams were knotted at 118 points as they headed into overtime, adopting the Summer League's unique overtime rule requiring both teams to compete to reach a target score of 120 points. Pelle Larsson emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive basket to secure Miami’s 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 remarked post-game.
Key Contributors
Josh Christopher led Miami with 24 points, showcasing his scoring prowess throughout the game. His efforts were supported by notable contributions from Kel'el Ware, who added 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Alondes Williams, who matched Ware's 21 points. Cole Swider and Pelle Larsson chipped in with 19 and 16 points, respectively, solidifying a well-rounded offensive display for the Heat.
For Memphis, Jake LaRavia was the standout performer, pouring in a game-high 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. delivered a double-double with 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points, forming a formidable trio that kept Memphis in contention until the final buzzer.
Crucial Moments
The final moments of regulation were nothing short of electrifying. Swider put Miami in the lead with just 19.6 seconds left, making it 113-110. However, Jackson responded with a clutch three-pointer, tying the game at 113 with 10.5 seconds remaining. Williams then got called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, setting the stage for Pippen, who unfortunately missed a three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.
Miami's head coach, Dan Bisaccio, praised his team's resilience. "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," Bisaccio said.
Honors and Recognitions
Despite the thrilling contest, the individual accolades went to Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson, who was named the Summer League MVP. Wilson averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc. Wilson's stellar performance also 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 featured solid contributors such as Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker. Wilson's consistent display throughout the tournament was instrumental in him securing the MVP honors.
The Miami Heat's victory over the Memphis Grizzlies will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exciting and high-scoring finals in Summer League history. With young talents like Josh Christopher and Pelle Larsson stepping up, the future looks bright for Miami as they build on this monumental win.