Kon Knueppel Shines as Hornets Claim First NBA Summer League Championship

Posted : 21 July 2025

Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, delivered a standout performance on Sunday night, scoring 21 points to help the Charlotte Hornets edge the Sacramento Kings 83–78 and claim their first-ever NBA Summer League title. The victory capped off an unbeaten 6-0 campaign for Charlotte in Las Vegas.

The Hornets also received key contributions from Ryan Kalkbrenner, who added 15 points, while three other players each chipped in 11. Their balanced scoring and team chemistry proved decisive in a tightly contested championship game.

Sacramento, which entered the final with a perfect 5-0 record, saw standout efforts from Isaac Jones, who posted a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Devin Carter, who added 13 points. Rookie Nique Clifford, drafted 24th overall, finished with 10 points and eight boards after averaging 16.2 points during the tournament.

Despite a strong second-half push by the Kings, who twice cut the Hornets’ lead to just one in the closing moments, Charlotte held firm. Knueppel knocked down a crucial three-pointer with just over 30 seconds left to restore a four-point advantage, and the Hornets sealed the win at the free-throw line, converting five of their final six attempts.

Knueppel, who started the summer league quietly with just five points in his debut, found his rhythm in the later games. He averaged 18.3 points over his final four outings and was rightfully named the championship game's Most Valuable Player.

“If you’re going to show up here, the goal should be to win,” Knueppel said after the game. “That’s exactly what we did.”

Charlotte appeared in control early, racing to a 36–18 lead in the second quarter. But Sacramento refused to go away, narrowing the gap and keeping the pressure on late into the fourth quarter. A follow-up basket by Jones with 1:17 left, followed by a timely three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining, brought the Kings within one possession. However, Charlotte's composure from the foul line made the difference.

Hornets summer league head coach Chris Jent praised his squad’s resilience: “In a championship environment, you have to battle through adversity. That’s what people want to see, and I’m proud of how we responded.”

The game also featured a heated moment in the third quarter when Charlotte center James Banks III was ejected after a flagrant foul 2. His elbow struck Kings center Dylan Cardwell in the face, causing a lengthy delay as officials reviewed the incident and Cardwell received treatment.

This was Sacramento’s third appearance in a Summer League final; they previously lifted the trophy in 2014 and 2021. While they fell just short this time, their young core showed plenty of promise.

As for Charlotte, the win signals a promising start for Knueppel and the Hornets’ future—a summer championship built on teamwork, poise, and a rising star already living up to expectations.

Kon Knueppel Shines as Hornets Claim First NBA Summer League Championship

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