Canadian Brandon Clarke makes NBA Summer League history in Grizzlies’ win

Memphis Grizzlies pose for photographers after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA summer league championship basketball game Monday, July 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (John Locher/AP)

Vancouver native Brandon Clarke has made NBA Summer League history, becoming the first player to win both the overall tournament MVP and championship game MVP in the same summer.

Summer League MVP has been awarded since 2006, with the likes of Blake Griffin, John Wall and Jonas Valanciunas taking home the honour. Championship Game MVP, however, has only been handed out since 2013.

In the Memphis Grizzlies‘ 95-92 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves to clinch the Summer League Championship, Clarke led the way to the tune of 15 points, 16 rebounds and four assists. Former Toronto Raptor Bruno Caboclo added 15 points to help secure the win.

Earlier today, the NBA announced Clarke had earned the Summer League’s highest individual honours, taking home both the MVP award and a First Team nod.

Originally selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Entry Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder and immediate traded to Memphis, Clarke averaged 14.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks across his six appearances.

But it was Clarke’s performances in the Grizzlies’ biggest games that stood out. Prior to tonight’s tournament-clinching double-double, Clarke scored 23 points — including the game-winning bucket — to book Memphis its ticket to the finals.

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