In a thrilling and high-scoring encounter that set a new benchmark in Summer League history, Miami emerged victorious with a 120-118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, clinching their first Summer League championship. The game, which required overtime to settle, captivated fans with its back-and-forth drama and record-setting performances.
Heading into overtime, both teams were locked at 118 points. Under the Summer League overtime rules, the first team to reach 120 points would be crowned champion. Pelle Larsson of Miami was the hero of the night, scoring the decisive basket in overtime to seal the victory. Reflecting on his game-winning shot, Larsson stated, "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."
This championship game not only delivered a nail-biting conclusion but also made history as the highest-scoring finals in Summer League history, surpassing the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 with their 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. It was only the second time a Summer League championship encounter needed overtime to crown a winner, the first being the Chicago Bulls’ 84-82 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Miami's victory was a testament to their resilience and depth. Leading the charge was Josh Christopher, who tallied 24 points. Kel'el Ware was a force on both ends of the court, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams and Cole Swider also played pivotal roles, adding 21 and 19 points respectively. Larsson rounded off a stellar team performance with 16 points. Swider had a crucial moment in regulation, giving Miami a 113-110 lead with 19.6 seconds left. However, the drama wasn't over as GG Jackson of the Grizzlies tied the game with a three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds remaining.
On the Grizzlies’ side, Jake LaRavia was unstoppable, scoring a game-high 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. was equally impressive, with 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points. The Grizzlies had a chance to win in regulation, but Pippen's last-second three-pointer missed, sending the game into overtime.
Reflecting on his team’s effort, Miami's coach Dan Bisaccio praised the Grizzlies' tenacity: "[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."
Off the court, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson had an outstanding tournament, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc. His performance earned him a spot on the Summer League first team alongside standout players like GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller. The second team featured notable contributors such as Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
As the buzzer sounded and the Miami players celebrated their hard-fought victory, it was clear that this Summer League championship game will be remembered not just for its record-breaking scoring but also for the remarkable determination and skill shown by both teams.