Miami Heat Wins NBA Summer League Championship in High-Scoring Overtime Thriller
ICARO Media Group
LAS VEGAS - The Miami Heat emerged victorious in a thrilling overtime matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, securing their first NBA summer league championship in a high-scoring affair. Pelle Larsson's game-winning shot from the lane during OT sealed the Heat's 120-118 win.
Larsson credited coach Dan Bisaccio's well-executed play, which the team had practiced extensively. Despite strong defensive efforts from the Grizzlies, Larsson found the opening to make the essential basket. The game marked the highest-scoring championship in summer league history and only the second final to go into overtime.
Under the summer league's unique overtime rules, both teams aimed to reach a target score of 120 points, rather than playing with a clock. Despite the intense pressure, the Heat (6-0) delivered a stellar performance, with Josh Christopher named the game MVP, leading the team with 24 points. Kel'el Ware recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Alondes Williams and Cole Swider contributed 21 and 19 points, respectively.
The Grizzlies (5-1) put up a valiant fight, with Jake LaRavia leading the team's efforts with an impressive 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. achieved 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points to their score. Both teams traded crucial three-pointers in regulation, ultimately forcing the game into overtime.
With 19.6 seconds left on the clock, Swider's three-pointer put the Heat ahead 113-110, but Jackson matched his shot, tying the game with just 10.5 seconds remaining. Miami had an opportunity to win during regulation, but Williams was called for a charge, and Pippen missed a three-pointer in the final second.
Despite the challenges faced, Bisaccio commended the Grizzlies for their resilience, highlighting their determination and competitive spirit. The Miami Heat's victory showcased their grit and toughness in overcoming adversities.
Earlier in the day, Jalen Wilson of the Brooklyn Nets was named the summer league MVP for his exceptional performance, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds. The summer league's first team featured GG Jackson and Scotty Pippen Jr. from the Grizzlies, Kel'el Ware from the Heat, Jordan Miller from the Los Angeles Clippers, and Reed Sheppard from the Houston Rockets. Wilson, although crowned event MVP, was selected for the second team, joined by Bub Carrington from the Washington Wizards, Donovan Clingan from the Portland Trail Blazers, Jaime Jaquez Jr. from the Heat, and Jarace Walker from the Indiana Pacers.
The Miami Heat's triumph marks a memorable achievement in their summer league campaign, setting the stage for a promising upcoming season.