The Miami Heat triumphed in a nail-biting finish, edging out the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118 in overtime to secure their first Summer League championship. The closely contested game reached historic proportions, becoming the highest-scoring championship clash in Summer League history and only the second to require overtime.
A Historic Clash
Both teams displayed exceptional skill and resilience, staying neck-and-neck throughout the game. By the time regulation expired, the score was locked at 118 points, necessitating an overtime period under Summer League rules where the first team to reach a target score of 120 points would be declared the winner.
Pelle Larsson emerged as the hero, scoring the deciding basket in overtime. Reflecting on the crucial moment, Larsson remarked, "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."
Miami's Star Performers
The Heat's roster demonstrated depth and versatility with multiple contributors stepping up. Josh Christopher led the charge with 24 points, closely followed by Kel'el Ware and Alondes Williams, who each added 21 points. Ware further solidified his impact by grabbing 10 rebounds. Cole Swider and Larsson also made significant contributions, scoring 19 and 16 points respectively.
Swider played a pivotal role in the dying seconds of regulation, putting Miami ahead 113-110 with just 19.6 seconds left. However, a clutch three-pointer from GG Jackson of the Grizzlies tied the game at 113-113 with 10.5 seconds remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. An offensive charge called on Williams and a missed three-pointer by Scotty Pippen Jr. ensured the game would head into overtime.
Grizzlies' Valiant Effort
The Memphis Grizzlies proved to be formidable opponents, led by the offensive prowess of Jake LaRavia, who poured in 32 points. Pippen Jr. was equally impressive, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. GG Jackson rounded out the top performers for Memphis, contributing 28 points.
Coach Dan Bisaccio of Miami praised the tenacity of the Grizzlies, stating, "[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."
Setting New Records
This championship bout set a new record for the highest-scoring game in Summer League finals history, eclipsing the previous high of a 110-98 victory by the Los Angeles Lakers over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. The contest also equaled the distinction of being the second finals game to extend into overtime since the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Summer League MVP Honors
Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP, a testament to his stellar performance throughout the tournament. Wilson averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his efficiency by shooting 47.3% from the field and a remarkable 55% from beyond the arc. His consistent excellence earned him a spot on the Summer League first team, alongside standout players GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured notable contributors such as Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, emphasizing the depth of talent displayed throughout the tournament.
A Memorable Finish
The 2023 Summer League championship game will be remembered not only for its high score and dramatic finish but also for the remarkable displays of talent and determination from both teams. With an electrifying atmosphere and a wealth of young talent on display, this historic game has set a new standard for future Summer League championships.