Miami Secures Summer League Championship in Historic Overtime Thriller
In a nail-biting climax, the Miami Heat captured their first Summer League championship with a 120-118 overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The matchup, held in Las Vegas, will be remembered as one of the highest-scoring and most competitive finals in Summer League history.
The showdown extended into overtime with both teams deadlocked at 118 points. Under the Summer League's unique overtime rules, the first team to reach 120 points would clinch the title. Pelle Larsson emerged as the hero for Miami, sinking the decisive basket in the extra period and etching his name into the annals of Summer League lore.
Reflecting on the final play, 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 contest broke the previous scoring record for a Summer League championship game, which had been held by the Los Angeles Lakers from their 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. The sheer points on the board underscored the offensive firepower both squads brought to the court.
Memphis' offensive efforts were led by Jake LaRavia, who poured in 32 points, while Scotty Pippen Jr. added 29 points along with an impressive 11 assists. GG Jackson contributed 28 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 10.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 113, answering a go-ahead basket by Miami’s Cole Swider.
As the final seconds of regulation ticked away, it appeared either team could seize control. Williams was whistled for a charge with 4.2 seconds left, giving the Grizzlies a chance to win it. However, Pippen's three-point attempt missed the mark, pushing the game into overtime.
Miami’s balanced attack was pivotal to their victory. Josh Christopher led the charge with 24 points. Not far behind, Kel'el Ware recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Alondes Williams matched those 21 points. Cole Swider, whose late regulation basket was crucial, added 19 points. Larsson complemented his game-winning shot by contributing 16 points.
Miami’s head coach, Dan Bisaccio, praised his squad’s resilience, saying, "[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."
This championship game was notable not just for its scoring totals but also for extending into overtime — the second time in Summer League history this has occurred. The first instance was the Chicago Bulls' tight 84-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Beyond the championship game, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was bestowed the honor of Summer League MVP for his stellar performance throughout the tournament. Wilson's stats were impressive, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and an exceptional 55% from beyond the arc. Wilson’s efforts earned him a spot on the Summer League first team, alongside standout performers GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The Summer League second team also featured notable talents, including Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker—demonstrating the depth of talent on display throughout the tournament.
This final game, with its high stakes and dramatic finish, provided a fitting conclusion to a Summer League filled with promising young talent and intense competition. As Miami celebrated their hard-fought victory, the stage was set for many of these rising stars to make their mark in the upcoming NBA season.