In a high-octane showdown that will be remembered for its nail-biting finish and offensive firepower, Miami claimed its first Summer League championship with a scintillating 120-118 overtime victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. The game was a showcase of young talent, resilience, and strategic execution, etched into the annals as the highest-scoring final in Summer League history.
Both teams entered overtime deadlocked at 118 points, but it was Miami's Pelle Larsson who sealed the win with a decisive basket, creating a moment of triumph for the franchise. “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 noted, reflecting on the crucial play.
The tension leading up to overtime was palpable. Miami had initially taken the lead when Cole Swider made a crucial shot with 19.6 seconds left in regulation, putting them ahead 113-110. However, GG Jackson of the Grizzlies responded with a three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds left, knotting the game once again. The drama continued as Alondes Williams was called for a charge with a mere 4.2 seconds remaining, setting the stage for a potential Grizzlies win. Scotty Pippen Jr. had the final shot in regulation but missed the three-pointer, pushing the contest into overtime.
Under Summer League overtime rules, the teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points. Larsson’s decisive basket not only clinched the championship but also highlighted the strategic depth and execution that Miami displayed throughout the game.
The game saw several standout performances. Josh Christopher led Miami's charge with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware added a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams also contributed 21 points, and Swider chipped in 19 points, including the pivotal late-game shot. Larsson finished with a solid 16 points, capping a balanced and potent offensive display by Miami.
On the Grizzlies' side, Jake LaRavia was a force to be reckoned with, dropping 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. put up an impressive 29 points and 11 assists, showcasing his playmaking and scoring abilities. GG Jackson was equally impressive, scoring 28 points and making key plays in crunch time.
Setting a new benchmark for high-scoring finals, this game eclipsed the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in their 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. It also marked just 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.
Coach Dan Bisaccio of Miami praised his team’s fortitude against a tenacious Memphis squad: “[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.”
In addition to the championship, individual accolades punctuated the Summer League. Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was named the Summer League MVP, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Wilson also shot an impressive 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc. His performance earned him a place on the Summer League first team, alongside standout players GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured other notable contributors, including Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, reflecting the depth of talent that the Summer League continues to nurture.
Miami’s victory and the individual performances across the board underscored the competitive spirit and rising talent within the NBA’s Summer League framework. The championship game, with its record-breaking scores and dramatic overtime, will undoubtedly serve as an inspirational chapter in the Summer League’s storied history.