In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, Miami emerged victorious in a nail-biting 120-118 overtime contest against the Memphis Grizzlies, securing their first Summer League championship. This game wasn't just a battle for the title—it set a new record for high-scoring finals in Summer League history, surpassing the previous benchmark set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017.
As the clock wound down in regulation, Miami found themselves in a tight battle. Cole Swider pushed Miami ahead with just 19.6 seconds left, hitting a crucial shot to make it 113-110. However, GG Jackson's ice-cold three-pointer with 10.5 seconds remaining leveled the score, dramatically sending the game into overtime. The intensity was palpable as Miami's Alondes Williams was tagged with a charge at the 4.2-second mark, and Scotty Pippen Jr. missed a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
In the overtime showdown, Miami demonstrated resilience and determination. Under Summer League overtime rules, the teams aimed for a target score of 120 points. Pebble Larsson etched his name into the annals of Summer League history by scoring the decisive basket, securing a hard-fought victory for Miami. "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 remarked following the game.
This championship bout marked only the second time in Summer League history that a final extended into overtime. The first occurred in 2016 when the Chicago Bulls narrowly edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-82. The electrifying atmosphere and competitive spirit on display in this game will be remembered for years to come.
Standout Performances
Josh Christopher led Miami's charge with a stellar 24-point performance. The versatile Kel'el Ware also put on a show, contributing 21 points and ten rebounds. Alondes Williams matched Ware's scoring output with another 21 points, while Cole Swider and Pelle Larsson chipped in with 19 and 16 points, respectively.
On the Grizzlies' side, Jake LaRavia was a force to be reckoned with, leading all scorers with an impressive 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. added an impactful 29 points, along with eleven assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. GG Jackson also had a standout performance, finishing with 28 points.
Post-Game Reflections
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Miami's head coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team's tenacity and resolve. "[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 commented.
Honoring the MVP
Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson, who was not a participant in the championship game, was honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson's stellar tournament performance featured averages of 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages of 47.3% from the field and 55% from three-point range. Wilson's all-around excellence earned him a spot 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, all of whom left their mark on this year's tournament.
This Summer League championship game will be remembered not only for its historic scoring but also for the sheer competitiveness and skill displayed by both teams. The players, now etched in Summer League history, have set a high standard for future contests.