BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets have secured their first NBA Summer League title, defeating the Sacramento Kings 83-78 in a thrilling championship game held in Las Vegas on July 16, 2023. Led by standout rookie Kon Knueppel, who scored 21 points, the Hornets capped their Summer League run with a perfect 6-0 record.
The victory came after a fierce rally from the Kings, who were attempting to claim their third Summer League title. Isaac Jones was a standout for Sacramento, contributing 24 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Hornets’ early lead.
In a game marked by intense moments, the Hornets surged ahead early, establishing a commanding 36-18 lead in the second quarter. Despite the Kings’ efforts to narrow the gap, including two crucial baskets from Jones late in the game, the Hornets maintained their composure. A critical three-pointer from Knueppel with just 31.1 seconds remaining sealed the victory, giving Charlotte a four-point lead.
“I said before, if you’re going to come here, you should win,” Knueppel stated after being named the championship game MVP. “So that’s what we did.”
The Hornets displayed resilience throughout the match, especially after center James Banks III was ejected with 3:47 left in the third quarter due to a flagrant-two foul. His absence could have been detrimental, yet the team rallied to finish strong.
Hornets coach Chris Jent praised his team’s performance, saying, “It’s a championship game. That’s what everybody wants to see. In order to win a championship, you’ve got to play through adversity.”
The Kings, who were making their third appearance in the Summer League finals, previously won titles in 2014 and 2021. Despite their strong season, this loss marks their first defeat in the championship round.
As fans celebrate this historic achievement for the Hornets, all eyes will be on Knueppel and his teammates as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. The excitement surrounding this new roster is palpable, and the team’s success in the Summer League could signal a promising future.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Hornets celebrate this monumental win and look forward to their next challenge in the NBA.
