In a thrilling showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Miami emerged victorious in a high-octane Summer League championship game, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118. The intense matchup, which needed overtime to crown a winner, has now made history as the highest-scoring finals ever witnessed in the Summer League.
A New Era of High-Scoring Finals
This championship game dramatically surpassed the previous high-scoring record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, where they triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers with a 110-98 scoreline. Miami and Memphis were evenly matched, locked at 118 points after regulation time, pushing the game into overtime under the Summer League's unique format wherein teams aim for a target score of 120 points.
The Deciding Moment
As the overtime commenced, every basket became crucial. Pelle Larsson emerged as the hero for Miami, scoring the decisive basket that sealed the win. Reflecting on his game-winning shot, Larsson said, "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."
Strategic Brilliance and Player Contributions
Miami's impressive roster showcased their skills and resilience throughout the game. Josh Christopher led the team with 24 points, while Kel’el Ware contributed a significant 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams added another 21 points, with Cole Swider and Pelle Larsson scoring 19 and 16 points, respectively. Coach Dan Bisaccio praised the team's determination and adaptability, 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."
Grizzlies' Stellar Effort
The Memphis Grizzlies pushed Miami to their limits with standout performances of their own. Jake LaRavia spearheaded the offensive effort, racking up an impressive 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. was not far behind, delivering 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson contributed 28 points to the Grizzlies’ scoreline. The Grizzlies' tenacity was on full display, especially during the dramatic final moments of regulation play.
Key Moments Leading to Overtime
With just 19.6 seconds left on the clock in regulation, Swider put Miami in the lead with a poised shot, making it 113-110. However, Memphis matched their opponent's resolve when Jackson nailed a three-pointer with a mere 10.5 seconds remaining, tying the game. As tension built, Williams committed a charge with 4.2 seconds left, providing Memphis one final shot at clinching the game. Nonetheless, Pippen's three-pointer attempt fell short, sending the game into overtime.
Summer League MVP Honors
Separately, Brooklyn Nets’ forward Jalen Wilson was recognized as the Summer League MVP for his stellar performance 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 contributions earned him a place on the Summer League first team, alongside top performers such as GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel’el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
Conclusion
This championship game, marked by its high-scoring nature and dramatic finish, will be remembered by fans for years to come. Both teams demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity, epitomizing the competitive spirit of the Summer League. As the final buzzer sounded in overtime, Miami not only claimed their first Summer League title but also etched their name into the annals of basketball history with an unforgettable performance.