Charlotte Hornets clinch first NBA Summer League title behind rookie standout Kon Knueppel
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 21, 2025, 20:31 IST
( Image credit : TOIGLOBAL )
The Charlotte Hornets secured their first NBA Summer League title, defeating the Sacramento Kings 83-78, fueled by Kon Knueppel's 21 points. Charlotte completed a perfect 6-0 run, overcoming a Kings' comeback led by Isaac Jones. Despite a late surge from Sacramento, the Hornets held on, converting crucial free throws to seal the victory and a promising sign for the future.
The Charlotte Hornets claimed their first NBA Summer League title in franchise history on Sunday, defeating the Sacramento Kings 83-78 in a tightly contested final at the Thomas & Mack Center. Leading the way was rookie guard Kon Knueppel, who scored 21 points in a performance that capped an impressive tournament debut for the fourth overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
The Hornets completed a perfect 6-0 run in Las Vegas, showcasing a well-rounded team effort that saw multiple players contribute on both ends of the floor. Ryan Kalkbrenner added 15 points, while three other Hornets finished with 11 points apiece. Knueppel, who managed just five points in his Summer League debut, found his rhythm as the games progressed, averaging 18.3 points over his final four appearances.
Charlotte surged ahead early, building a commanding 36-18 lead in the second quarter. But Sacramento, led by Isaac Jones’ 24 points and 11 rebounds, clawed their way back into the game with gritty defense and timely shooting. Devin Carter chipped in with 13 points, and rookie Nique Clifford, selected 24th overall, added 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Kings narrowed the gap to a single point twice in the final two minutes. Jones converted a follow-up with 1:17 left on the clock and later drained a clutch three-pointer with just 20.3 seconds remaining. However, the Hornets responded with poise from the free-throw line, converting five of six attempts in the closing moments to preserve the win.
Tensions briefly flared in the third quarter when Hornets center James Banks III was ejected after being assessed a flagrant-two foul for elbowing Sacramento’s Dylan Cardwell in the face. Cardwell remained down during the review but was able to walk off the court afterward.
For Sacramento, the loss marked their first defeat in three Summer League finals, having previously won titles in 2014 and 2021. Despite falling short, the Kings showcased depth and potential throughout the tournament, particularly from their 2025 draft class.
For Charlotte, the championship serves as a promising sign of things to come. Knueppel’s steady rise during the week and his confident showing in the final have already sparked optimism around the franchise’s future. As Summer League wraps up, attention now shifts to preseason training camps, where this year’s rookie class will aim to translate their momentum into regular-season roles.
The Hornets completed a perfect 6-0 run in Las Vegas, showcasing a well-rounded team effort that saw multiple players contribute on both ends of the floor. Ryan Kalkbrenner added 15 points, while three other Hornets finished with 11 points apiece. Knueppel, who managed just five points in his Summer League debut, found his rhythm as the games progressed, averaging 18.3 points over his final four appearances.
Charlotte surged ahead early, building a commanding 36-18 lead in the second quarter. But Sacramento, led by Isaac Jones’ 24 points and 11 rebounds, clawed their way back into the game with gritty defense and timely shooting. Devin Carter chipped in with 13 points, and rookie Nique Clifford, selected 24th overall, added 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Kings narrowed the gap to a single point twice in the final two minutes. Jones converted a follow-up with 1:17 left on the clock and later drained a clutch three-pointer with just 20.3 seconds remaining. However, the Hornets responded with poise from the free-throw line, converting five of six attempts in the closing moments to preserve the win.
Tensions briefly flared in the third quarter when Hornets center James Banks III was ejected after being assessed a flagrant-two foul for elbowing Sacramento’s Dylan Cardwell in the face. Cardwell remained down during the review but was able to walk off the court afterward.
For Sacramento, the loss marked their first defeat in three Summer League finals, having previously won titles in 2014 and 2021. Despite falling short, the Kings showcased depth and potential throughout the tournament, particularly from their 2025 draft class.
For Charlotte, the championship serves as a promising sign of things to come. Knueppel’s steady rise during the week and his confident showing in the final have already sparked optimism around the franchise’s future. As Summer League wraps up, attention now shifts to preseason training camps, where this year’s rookie class will aim to translate their momentum into regular-season roles.