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• Hornets 83, Kings 78: Game Summary | Match Details
LAS VEGAS— Rookie Kon Knueppel led his team with 21 points, along with an explosive start, propelling the Charlotte Hornets to a hard-fought 83-78 victory against the Sacramento Kings in the NBA 2K26 Summer League championship at the Thomas and Mack Center on Sunday night. Knueppel earned the title of MVP for the championship match.
The championship game initially appeared to be lopsided in favor of the Hornets, who commanded both offense and defense to establish a 34-18 lead after the first quarter. Although the Kings trimmed their deficit by nine points before halftime, Charlotte’s defense strengthened in the third quarter, allowing them to extend their lead to 11 points entering the final period.
Sacramento displayed remarkable resilience, managing to close the gap to just one point twice in the last two minutes. However, Knueppel’s timely contributions, which included a critical 3-pointer and a free throw, helped the Hornets maintain their lead and clinch the championship.
Isaac Jones was the standout for the Kings, achieving a game-high double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, along with two assists. Devin Carter added 13 points, seven assists, two rebounds, and two blocks. Rookie first-round draft pick Nique Clifford contributed 10 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.
In addition to his scoring, Knueppel recorded five rebounds and two assists. Rookie second-round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner tallied 15 points, nine rebounds, one steal, and one block. Both Jaylen Sims and KJ Simpson notched 11 points each, with Simpson also contributing seven rebounds, five assists, and a block.
KON KNUEPPEL SHOWING OFF THE RING 💍#NBA2KSummerLeaguepic.twitter.com/pUSw25PXmE
— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2025
The Charlotte Hornets have been crowned #NBA2KSummerLeague Champions!
Undefeated in Las Vegas 🏆pic.twitter.com/rKg2bYkGUm
— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2025
