Image Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

2025 NBA Summer League Final: Hornets Outlast Kings in Vegas Showdown, Kon Knueppel’s Return Fuels Thrilling Win

The 2025 NBA Summer League Final brought drama, comebacks, and redemption

Image Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

The 2025 NBA Summer League final took place between the Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Hornets at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sunday. Both the Hornets and the Kings have had a perfect record of 5-0 in the tournament.

The Charlotte Hornets had a perfect start to the game as they put up 34 points in the first quarter against Kings’ 18. A huge lead gave the youngsters momentum ahead. However, the Sacramento Kings made a small comeback by posting 21-12 in the second quarter.

Isaac Jones led the Kings’ resurgence with sharp shooting and confident play on both ends. He was on the money in terms of shooting. The Hornets still had a lead going into the end of the first half. They extended that lead by four more points in the third quarter.

we know a rim hates to see Isaac Jones coming through 😭 pic.twitter.com/geM0u7Ewd4
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 21, 2025

Outscoring the Kings by 21-17, the Hornets were firmly in the picture to win it all. Kon Knueppel, after a head injury in the semifinals against Toronto, returned to form with a strong outing. Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner were leading the scoresheet for Charlotte.

Tight Finish Caps Summer League Classic

The fourth quarter action of the 2025 NBA Summer League final took a thrilling turn again when the Sacramento Kings made a comeback. They outscored the Hornets early and seized momentum from the opening minutes of the final quarter.

KON KNUEPPEL.

ICE IN HIS VEINS. pic.twitter.com/iW3vlBP9fC
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 21, 2025

Scoring slowed as the Charlotte Hornets focused on defense and managing their narrow lead. They had clear instructions to try and run the clock down. The approach paid off as the Hornets secured a memorable 83-78 victory.

Kon Knueppel scored 21 points going 8-of-21 from the field while Ryan Kalkbrenner registered 15 points with 5-6 field goal attempts. For the Sacramento Kings, Isaac Jones put up 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. His efforts went in vain in the 2025 NBA Summer League Final.