In a thrilling contest that rewrote the record books, Miami seized a 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies to clinch their first Summer League championship. The game, which required overtime to crown a winner, becomes a landmark in Summer League history, setting new benchmarks for high-scoring finals.
Both teams were locked in a gripping duel, with the score tied at 118 points before the overtime period. Under Summer League rules, both teams aimed to reach a target score of 120 points in overtime. Miami's Pelle Larsson etched his name into the annals of Summer League lore by sinking the decisive basket in overtime.
"Coach [Dan Bisaccio] drew up a great play we've run in practice a bunch of times," said Larsson. "They did a good job guarding it. We have shooters everywhere and they want to help, and I just made it."
The game was not just notable for its competitive edge but also for achieving the highest-scoring record in the history of Summer League championship games. The previous record was held by the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-98 in 2017. This championship clash also marked only the second time in Summer League history that a title game extended into overtime—the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Miami's scoring was spearheaded by Josh Christopher, who led the team with 24 points. Kel'el Ware stood out with a double-double, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams and Cole Swider were pivotal offensive forces as well, adding 21 and 19 points respectively. Larsson, the hero of the game, finished with 16 points.
Swider initially put Miami in the lead with 19.6 seconds left in regulation, making the score 113-110. However, GG Jackson of the Grizzlies demonstrated his clutch ability by tying the game with a three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds remaining. Alondes Williams was called for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, opening a window for Scotty Pippen Jr. to potentially win the game. Pippen's last-second three-point attempt missed, sending the game into overtime.
On the Memphis side, Jake LaRavia led an impressive offensive effort with 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. was just as formidable, netting 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. GG Jackson added 28 points, putting up a fight until the very end.
"[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," said Miami's coach Dan Bisaccio.
The game underscored the depth and quality of talent in the Summer League this year. Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game throughout the tournament. Wilson's shooting was stellar, boasting 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc. His consistent excellence 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 showcased notable talents such as Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
In a game that had everything—tenacity, skill, and unforgettable moments—Miami's maiden Summer League championship will long be remembered as a high point in the franchise's developmental journey. The players' and coaches' determination, aptly described by their gripping battle with the Grizzlies, will provide a solid foundation as they look to carry this success into the upcoming NBA season.