UPDATE: The Charlotte Hornets have made history by clinching their first NBA Summer League title with a nail-biting 83-78 victory over the Sacramento Kings on July 16, 2023, in Las Vegas. Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, led the charge with 21 points, securing his status as the championship game MVP.
The Hornets, who finished their Summer League campaign with a perfect 6-0 record, took an early lead, dominating the Kings and establishing a commanding score of 36-18 in the second quarter. However, Sacramento mounted a fierce comeback, with Isaac Jones scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, narrowing the gap late in the game.
Knueppel’s pivotal 3-pointer with just 31.1 seconds remaining provided Charlotte with a crucial four-point lead, ultimately sealing the victory. “Like I said before, if you’re going to come here, you should win,” Knueppel stated after the game, showcasing his competitive spirit.
Alongside Knueppel, Ryan Kalkbrenner contributed 15 points while three other teammates each scored 11 points, demonstrating a balanced offensive attack. Despite the loss, the Kings have had a strong Summer League performance, previously winning titles in 2014 and 2021, and ending this season with a 5-1 record.
The closing moments were fraught with tension as Jones cut the deficit to just one point twice, first with a follow-up basket at 1:17 left on the clock, then with a 3-pointer at 20.3 seconds. However, the Hornets maintained their composure and closed out the game at the free throw line, with three players converting 5-of-6 attempts.
Charlotte’s Summer League coach Chris Jent praised the team’s resilience, stating, “In order to win a championship, you’ve got to play through adversity.” This was put to the test when Hornets center James Banks III was ejected in the third quarter after a flagrant-two foul, adding to the drama of the championship clash.
As the Hornets celebrate their historic achievement, all eyes will be on Knueppel and his fellow rookies as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season, where they aim to build on this success. The excitement surrounding this victory is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this momentum translates to the regular season.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Hornets and their promising roster as they embark on their journey in the NBA!