In an electrifying showdown that will be remembered in Summer League history, Miami emerged victorious over the Memphis Grizzlies with a nail-biting 120-118 triumph in overtime, clinching their very first Summer League championship. This dramatic encounter set a new standard for high-scoring finals, surpassing the previous record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017.
Overtime Drama
Both teams were deadlocked at 118 points at the end of regulation, requiring overtime to settle the score. Under Summer League overtime regulations, the game continued until one team reached a target score of 120 points—a rule that added even more intensity to an already thrilling contest. Pelle Larsson ultimately scored the decisive basket in overtime, sealing Miami’s win and etching his name into Summer League lore.
"Coach [Dan Bisaccio] drew up a great play we've run in practice a bunch of times," Larsson said. "They did a good job guarding it. We have shooters everywhere and they want to help, and I just made it."
Larsson's heroics capped off a game that became only the second Summer League championship to extend into overtime. The first overtime clash was a memorable 84-82 victory for the Chicago Bulls over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Key Players and Performance
Josh Christopher led Miami's charge with an exemplary performance, scoring 24 points. Kel'el Ware made significant contributions with 21 points and an impressive 10 rebounds, while Alondes Williams also added 21 points to the scoreboard. Cole Swider chipped in 19 points, and Larsson closed his night with 16 points, including the game-winning basket.
On the other side of the court, Jake LaRavia spearheaded the Grizzlies' offense with a formidable 32-point performance. Scotty Pippen Jr. was instrumental as well, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. GG Jackson rounded out the Grizzlies' top performers with 28 points, keeping Memphis in the game until the final seconds.
Late-Game Excitement
The final moments of regulation were a rollercoaster of emotion. Cole Swider put Miami in the lead, making it 113-110 with just 19.6 seconds left. However, Jackson responded for the Grizzlies, nailing a three-pointer with 10.5 seconds remaining to tie the game. In a critical play, Williams was called for a charge with just 4.2 seconds left, giving Memphis one last chance. Pippen’s attempt at a three-pointer in the dying seconds fell short, sending the game into overtime.
"[The Grizzlies] made it tough for us," Miami coach Dan Bisaccio observed. "That just speaks volumes to this team. Their willingness to fight through the adversity showed real grit, toughness and of course that competitive will."
A Record-Breaking Finale
The 120-118 final score set a new benchmark for Summer League championship games, surpassing the previous high-scoring record of 110 points by the Lakers. The game will be remembered not just for its thrilling conclusion but for its historical significance in Summer League annals.
Recognizing Excellence
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 impressive shooting—47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc—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 featured notable talents such as Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
In a clash that showcased individual brilliance and collective effort, Miami's triumph over Memphis will stand as a testament to the intense competition and high-caliber talent that defines Summer League basketball. This championship game may well serve as an enduring legacy for the players and coaches who left everything on the court in pursuit of glory.