In a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 Summer League, the Miami Heat triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies with a 120-118 victory, marking their first Summer League championship. The game, which extended into overtime, set a new benchmark for high-scoring finals in Summer League history.
Both teams battled fiercely, finding themselves locked at 118 points at the end of regulation. The crowd was treated to an unforgettable showdown as the Heat and Grizzlies fought tooth and nail for every basket. Miami's Pelle Larsson scored the decisive basket in overtime, providing the crucial points to clinch the win.
"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," recounted Larsson after the game.
The match was a historic one, not only due to the intensity and skill on display but also as it was the highest-scoring championship game in Summer League history. The previous record had been set by the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017.
Leading Miami's charge was Josh Christopher, who amassed 24 points. Kel'el Ware also made a significant contribution with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Alondes Williams mirrored Ware's scoring efforts with 21 points of his own. Cole Swider added 19 points, and Pelle Larsson finished with 16 points for Miami.
The Grizzlies were led by Jake LaRavia, who poured in an impressive 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. showcased his skills with 29 points and 11 assists, while GG Jackson tallied 28 points. Swider had put Miami in the lead with just 19.6 seconds remaining in regulation, making the score 113-110. However, Jackson tied the game with a three-pointer with 10.5 seconds left, sending the game into a thrilling overtime period after Pippen missed a potential game-winning three-pointer.
The game marked only the second time in Summer League history that a championship contest was decided in overtime. The first occurrence was in 2016 when the Chicago Bulls edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves with an 84-82 victory. Under current Summer League overtime rules, both teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points, adding an extra layer of strategic depth to the final moments of the game.
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Miami's coach Dan Bisaccio praised his team’s resolve. "[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."
The individual performances throughout the tournament were also recognized, with Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson being honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson's remarkable run included averages of 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 47.3% from the field and an impressive 55% from beyond the arc. This exceptional showing 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 names like Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker alongside Wilson.
The 2023 Summer League championship has set a new standard for excitement and competition. It heralded the arrival of emerging talents and highlighted the perseverance and skill of young athletes striving to make their mark. For Miami and its supporters, the victory is a moment of pride and a promising indicator of the season ahead.