2016 NBA Summer League Champions – Video Highlights: Chicago Bulls; Denzel Valentine hits Game-Winner in Thrilling OT Match
The Chicago Bulls are this year's NBA Summer League Champions. The Finals game had to go into overtime, and Denzel Valentine had to provide two heroic shots to bring the trophy to the Windy City.
While Valentine's plays are remarkable, even getting the attention of Dwyane Wade, the finals game was filled with incredible plays especially in the final, crucial minutes.
Tyus Jones, 2016 Summer League MVP, hit a 3-pointer to break the tie and put Minnesota on top 77-74 in the fourth quarter with 3.6 seconds left.
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Valentine then hit a game-tying three pointer to send the game into overtime. Valentine said, "They left me open for a reason because I didn't make any shots during the game. I would've left me open too."
Chicago was on the brink of winning OT, but Xavier Silas hits an off the glass 3 pointer to tie the game at 82-82, will 11.7 seconds left in OT.
Without these string of vital, desperation threes, Valentine wouldn't have had the chance to hit the game winner.
Starting lineups for the 2016 NBA Summer League Final
The following are the starting lineups during the 2016 NBA Summer League Final match between the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves.
For the Chicago Bulls, Jerian Grant at guard, Denzel Valentine at guard, Dez Wells at forward, Bobby Portis at forward, and Cristiano Felicio at center.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyus Jones at guard, Xavier Silas at guard, Scott Suggs at guard, Devin Thomas at forward and Adreian Payne at forward.
Denzel Valentine's Heroics
Valentine didn't start the game well from a stats perspective. He struggled in the first half, but in the second half, he showed leadership by dishing out key assists.
Valentine didn't just do one heroic play in the finals; he made two. He shot a three to tie the game with less than a second left in the clock, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Valentine told his coach to give him the ball so he can win the game for the team. He did so off a screen and roll towards the middle, pivoting to get away from the defender and shooting a high arching fade away to seal the deal. The final score of the match was 84-82.
Valentine walks back to the bench, telling his teammates, "I told you so." Fans and players alike react in adulation over Valentine's heroics, prompting the commentators to call "Happy Valentine's Day in Vegas!"
In an interview, Valentine said, "I'm here for a reason. The Bulls picked me up to be a confident player and come through when the team needs me and be a winner. That's what I preached during my draft interviews. I just keep winning on my mind."
Chicago Bulls Summer League Success
With the win against the Timberwolves, the Bulls win the 2016 NBA Summer League Championship, maintaining their unbeaten tournament record of 7 wins, no losses.
Veteran players Portis and Grant led the way to Chicago Bulls' summer league championship victory.
