Miami Secures First NBA Summer League Championship in Thrilling Overtime Victory
In a game that etched itself into the annals of NBA Summer League history, Miami emerged victorious with a 120-118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, clinching their first Summer League championship. The thrilling contest, which required overtime to crown a winner, set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals and left fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
With both teams locked at 118 points, it was Pelle Larsson who delivered the deciding blow, scoring from the lane in overtime to break the tie and secure Miami's triumphant moment. "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 reflected on his game-winning shot.
The game wasn't just significant for its dramatic conclusion; it was also the highest-scoring contest in the history of Summer League championship games. The previous scoring record, set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 with a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, was surpassed in this riveting matchup.
This championship clash was only the second in Summer League history to extend into overtime. The Chicago Bulls' narrow 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016 was the first, but this year's edition cranked up the excitement to new levels. Under the unique Summer League overtime rules, both teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points, adding an extra layer of suspense to an already electrifying game.
Standout Performers
Miami's victory was fueled by standout performances from several key players. Game MVP Josh Christopher led the charge with a team-high 24 points. Kel'el Ware also made a significant impact, contributing 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Alondes Williams added 21 points to the tally. Cole Swider kept the momentum going with 19 points, and Pelle Larsson, who clinched the game with his decisive shot, finished with 16 points.
On the other side, Jake LaRavia spearheaded the Grizzlies’ offense, racking up an impressive 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. was equally formidable, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. GG Jackson also had a standout performance, putting up 28 points for Memphis.
The closing moments of regulation were a nail-biter. Swider initially put Miami in the lead, 113-110, with 19.6 seconds left. The Grizzlies quickly responded as Jackson nailed a three-pointer to tie the game with 10.5 seconds remaining. In a dramatic turn of events, Williams was called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, squandering a potential game-winning opportunity for Miami. Pippen then missed a three-pointer in the dying seconds of regulation, sending the game into overtime.
Coach's Insight and Accolades
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Miami's Coach Dan Bisaccio praised his squad's resilience and depth. "[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 stated.
Earlier in the day, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP, highlighting his standout performances throughout the tournament. Wilson averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc. His efforts 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 other notable contributors such as Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker—each of whom left their mark on this year’s Summer League.
With the final buzzer, Miami's players and fans rejoiced in their historic achievement. The team's collective effort and remarkable performances secured them their place in Summer League lore, setting a high bar for future championships. As the dust settled on this epic encounter, it was clear that Miami's victory was not just a testament to their skill and determination, but also a fitting climax to an unforgettable Summer League season.