In a thrilling conclusion to the Summer League, Miami seized a historic victory against the Memphis Grizzlies with a nail-biting 120-118 win in overtime, capturing their first Summer League championship. The showdown not only crowned a new champion but also set a record for the highest-scoring final in Summer League history.
Overtime Drama
The game, locked at 118 points at the end of regulation, required overtime to determine the winner. Under Summer League's unique overtime rules, both teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points. It was Miami’s Pelle Larsson who scored the decisive basket, securing the hard-fought victory. "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," said Larsson, reflecting on his clutch performance.
Historic High Scores
This championship game set an unprecedented benchmark as the highest-scoring contest in Summer League history. The previous record was held by the Los Angeles Lakers, who claimed a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. The intense showdown also marked only the second time a Summer League championship game extended into overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Miami’s Stellar Performances
Josh Christopher led the charge for Miami with an impressive 24 points. Contributions came from all corners, including Kel’el Ware, who added 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Alondes Williams, who also scored 21 points. Cole Swider, who scored 19 points, put Miami in the lead with 19.6 seconds left in regulation, making the score 113-110. Yet, it was GG Jackson's three-pointer with 10.5 seconds remaining that forced the game into overtime. Larsson rounded out the contribution with 16 points.
Grizzlies’ Valiant Effort
Memphis was equally matched, led by Jake LaRavia’s dazzling 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. showcased his talent with 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson added 28 points. The Grizzlies demonstrated resilience, but ultimately fell short in the final seconds of overtime. Coach Dan Bisaccio commented on the close contest, 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."
Recognition and Awards
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson was honored as the Summer League MVP, averaging 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during the tournament. Wilson excelled with impressive shooting percentages, hitting 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc. His stellar performance 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 Jalen Wilson again, along with notable contributors Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker.
Conclusion
The 2023 Summer League championship will be remembered for its dramatic finish and record-breaking performance. Miami’s triumph, marked by contributions from various players and strategic play-calling, set a new high for future Summer League contests. The Grizzlies’ formidable effort highlighted the competitive spirit of the league, promising many more thrilling encounters in the seasons to come.