UPDATE: The Charlotte Hornets have claimed their first NBA Summer League title, defeating the Sacramento Kings 83-78 on July 16, 2023. Fourth pick Kon Knueppel shone in the championship game, scoring 21 points and sealing the victory with a crucial three-pointer in the final seconds.
The Hornets, who completed their Summer League run with an impressive 6-0 record, faced a challenge from the Kings, who were looking to secure their third title after wins in 2014 and 2021. Despite a strong rally led by Kings’ Isaac Jones, who posted 24 points and 11 rebounds, Charlotte held on for the win.
Knueppel’s performance was pivotal, earning him the championship game MVP. After a slow start in his opener, he averaged 18.3 points over the final four games. His decisive three-pointer with 31.1 seconds left on the clock gave the Hornets a crucial four-point lead, solidifying their victory.
“Like I said before, if you’re going to come here, you should win,” Knueppel stated confidently. The Hornets jumped to an early lead, dominating the game and leading by as much as 36-18 in the second quarter. However, the Kings fought back, with Jones narrowing the gap to just a point twice late in the game.
The Hornets demonstrated resilience, closing the match at the free-throw line, with three players converting 5-of-6 attempts to secure the win. “It’s a championship game,” said Chris Jent, Charlotte’s Summer League coach. “In order to win a championship, you’ve got to play through adversity.”
In a dramatic turn, Hornets center James Banks III was ejected with 3:47 left in the third quarter for a flagrant-two foul, leaving the team to rally without him. Despite the setback, Charlotte’s depth and determination shone through in this historic win.
As the Hornets celebrate their first Summer League championship, they look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this young team progresses.
