In a nail-biting championship game, the Miami Heat emerged victorious in overtime against the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 120-118. Pelle Larsson’s clutch shot from the lane broke the tie and secured the Heat their first NBA summer league championship. This historic game marked the highest-scoring championship in history, with just the second game to ever go into overtime.
Unlike regular NBA games, summer league overtime follows a different set of rules. Both teams play to a target score rather than against the clock. In this case, the target score was set at 120 points, adding another layer of intensity to the already high-stakes game.
Game MVP Josh Christopher led the Heat with 24 points, showcasing his skills and leadership on the court. Kel’el Ware’s 21 points and 10 rebounds, along with Alondes Williams and Cole Swider’s solid performances, were instrumental in securing the win. Larsson’s game-winning shot in overtime highlighted the depth of talent and resilience of the Heat team.
Memphis Grizzlies’ Strong Performance
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Memphis Grizzlies put up a tough fight, with Jake LaRavia, Scotty Pippen Jr., and GG Jackson delivering impressive performances. The back-and-forth exchange of 3-pointers kept the game intense, ultimately leading to the thrilling overtime showdown.
Miami Heat’s coach, Dan Bisaccio, commended his team’s grit, toughness, and competitive spirit in the face of adversity. The players’ relentless determination and willingness to push through challenges were key factors in their success. The execution of strategic plays, such as the game-winning shot by Larsson, showcased the team’s cohesion and skill on the court.
Prior to the championship game, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was named the summer league MVP for his impressive performance throughout the tournament. The summer league first team featured standout players from various teams, including Ware, Jackson, and Pippen. Wilson’s selection on the second team highlighted the depth of talent in the summer league, with players like Bub Carrington and Donovan Clingan also receiving recognition for their contributions.
The Miami Heat’s victory in the summer league championship was a testament to their skill, resilience, and teamwork. The thrilling overtime win will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in summer league basketball. As the players and coaches celebrate their hard-earned victory, they look ahead to future challenges and opportunities for growth in the upcoming NBA season.