In a riveting match that will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of Summer League history, the Miami Heat emerged triumphant over the Memphis Grizzlies with a 120-118 victory. This victory marked Miami's first Summer League championship, and it came after a tense battle that extended into overtime.
The game was a seesaw affair, with both teams locked at 118 points as regulation time expired. Under the unique Summer League overtime rules, the first team to reach a target score of 120 points would be crowned the victor. It was Pelle Larsson who played the hero, scoring the decisive basket in overtime to clinch the win for Miami.
"Coach [Dan Bisaccio] drew up a great play we've run in practice a bunch of times," said Larsson. "They did a good job guarding it. We have shooters everywhere, and they want to help, and I just made it."
This championship game set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history, surpassing the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, who defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-98. The thrilling contest was also only the second championship clash to extend into overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
The Grizzlies fought valiantly throughout, with standout performances from Jake LaRavia, who led the Grizzlies' offense with 32 points, and Scotty Pippen Jr., who notched 29 points and dished out 11 assists. GG Jackson added 28 points, including a clutch three-pointer that tied the game with just 10.5 seconds remaining in regulation.
Despite their efforts, the Grizzlies were unable to secure the win. Head Coach Dan Bisaccio lauded his team's resolve in the face of a tough opponent. "[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,” he said.
Miami's road to victory was paved with key contributions from multiple players. Josh Christopher led the way with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware posted an impressive double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams also added 21 points, and Cole Swider contributed 19 points, including a pivotal basket with 19.6 seconds left in regulation that put the Heat ahead 113-110. Larsson capped off his performance with the game-winning shot, finishing with 16 points.
The Summer League MVP honors went to Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson, who averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during the tournament. Wilson shot an efficient 47.3% from the field and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc, earning him a spot on the Summer League first team alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
This Summer League contest showcased the depth of young talent in the NBA, providing a platform for emerging stars to shine. As always, the Summer League delivered not just as a development ground, but as a source of gripping, high-stakes basketball that excites fans and provides a glimpse into the future of the sport.