Miami Edges Memphis to Clinch First Summer League Championship

Miami Edges Memphis to Clinch First Summer League Championship

In a night of drama and high stakes, the Miami Heat triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies with a 120-118 victory, capturing their first Summer League championship. This thrilling contest, which required overtime, has set a new benchmark in the annals of Summer League history, both in terms of intensity and scoring.

The regulation time concluded with both teams deadlocked at 118 points, leading to a gripping overtime session. Under Summer League overtime rules, teams aim to be the first to reach a target score, set at 120 points for this championship game. Miami's Pelle Larsson delivered the decisive basket, etching his name into Summer League lore.

Reflecting on the crucial moment, Larsson shared, "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."

This championship clash was not only a nerve-wracking affair but also a record-setting one. It became the highest-scoring contest in Summer League championship history, surpassing the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in their 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. It was also only the second time a Summer League championship game extended into overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.

The game's high-octane nature was evident in the individual performances that drove Miami's success. Josh Christopher led Miami with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware solidified the team's frontcourt with an impressive double-double, tallying 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams matched Ware's scoring with another 21 points, and Cole Swider chipped in with 19 points, contributing crucially in the final moments of regulation. Pelle Larsson, the game’s hero, finished with 16 points.

On the other side, the Grizzlies also put forward stellar performances. Jake LaRavia spearheaded their offense with a game-high 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. was pivotal with 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points, including a clutch three-pointer that tied the game with 10.5 seconds left in regulation.

As the closing seconds of regulation unfolded, Swider put Miami in the lead with a timely shot, making it 113-110 with just 19.6 seconds remaining. Jackson’s response from beyond the arc knotted the game up again. A subsequent charge call on Williams with 4.2 seconds left and Pippen's missed three-pointer at the buzzer set the stage for the dramatic overtime finish.

Following the game, Miami 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."

Adding to the accolades of the night, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was named Summer League MVP. Wilson showcased his prowess throughout the tournament, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His shooting was exceptional, hitting 47.3% from the field and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc. This performance secured him a spot on the Summer League first team alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller. The second team honored other significant contributors, including Jalen Wilson again, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.

With this victory, Miami not only secured their maiden Summer League title but also delivered a game that will be remembered for its intensity, high-scoring, and defining moments. The grit and determination displayed by both teams ensured that fans were treated to a spectacular showcase of basketball, heralding a bright future for the next generation of NBA talent.