Hornets beat Kings to claim first NBA Summer League title

Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, led the Charlotte Hornets to their first NBA Summer League championship with a 21-point performance in an 83-78 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. The Hornets capped an unbeaten 6-0 run in Las Vegas, showcasing a balanced team effort and strong finishes throughout the tournament.


Ryan Kalkbrenner added 15 points, while three other Hornets chipped in 11 each. Knueppel, who had a quiet Summer League debut with just five points, found his rhythm as the tournament progressed, averaging 18.3 points over his final four games.



Despite Charlotte’s dominant start - building a 36-18 lead in the second quarter - Sacramento mounted a determined comeback. Isaac Jones powered the Kings with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Devin Carter scored 13. Nique Clifford, the 24th pick in the draft, contributed 10 points and eight boards after entering the game averaging 16.2 points.


Jones cut the deficit to one point twice in the final two minutes, including a crucial follow with 1:17 remaining and a clutch 3-pointer with 20.3 seconds left. However, Charlotte sealed the win at the free-throw line, converting 5-of-6 in the closing moments.


A tense moment came in the third quarter when Hornets center James Banks III was ejected for a flagrant-two foul after elbowing Sacramento’s Dylan Cardwell in the face. Cardwell remained down during the lengthy review but eventually walked off.

The loss marked Sacramento’s first in three Summer League final appearances, having previously won titles in 2014 and 2021.