Charlotte Hornets entered the championship game with a perfect 6–0 record and carried that momentum into the final. Behind a balanced, defense-first strategy, the Hornets stifled Sacramento early, forcing low-percentage shots and limiting the Kings to just 36.5% shooting from the field and 20.6% from beyond the arc.
Kon Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick, led the Hornets with 21 points and five rebounds. Though he shot just 8-of-21, his late-game scoring helped seal the win. Charlotte’s physical play disrupted Sacramento’s rhythm throughout the contest.
Isaac Jones delivered a standout performance for the Kings, finishing with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting and grabbing 11 rebounds. His effort brought Sacramento back from an 18-point deficit to within striking distance in the final minutes.
Stat Leaders & Key Takeaways
Jones, the breakout star of the Kings’ Summer League run, continued his stellar form from the semifinals where he exploded for 36 points and 15 rebounds in a win over Toronto. That performance, combined with his championship game output, has elevated his profile as a legitimate rotation candidate for Sacramento’s main roster.
The Hornets got crucial contributions from Jaylen Sims as well, who had 25 points in their semifinal victory. Charlotte Hornets shot 39.7% overall and 31% from three in the final—not spectacular, but efficient enough to maintain control.
Sacramento’s offensive woes were apparent: despite dominating the boards and forcing eight Hornets turnovers, their perimeter shooting let them down. Mason Jones and Maxime Raynaud added 12 points each, but the Kings could never quite take the lead.
Future Outlook: Development Wins the Day
Although Sacramento fell short of their third Summer League title, they walk away with a major positive—Isaac Jones. The 6’9” forward displayed the poise and skill of a seasoned NBA contributor, and his efforts will likely earn him a serious look in training camp.
For Charlotte Hornets, the Summer League title marks a cultural win. With strong play from rookies and developing assets like Knueppel and Sims, the Hornets demonstrated depth and cohesion. Their undefeated campaign may not translate directly into regular season success, but it signals progress in the franchise’s development strategy.
Both teams leave Las Vegas with reasons for optimism. The Kings, despite their 5–2 record, found a cornerstone in Jones. The Hornets, now crowned champions, showcased their future—tough, scrappy, and ready to compete.
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