Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

NBA Summer League Semifinals: Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Hornets Advance to the Final

Both teams will fight out for the championship game on Sunday.

Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Finally, the NBA Summer League is reaching its final moments. As well, the competition that brings rookies and veterans fighting for a spot in the NBA, had its two semifinals held on Saturday.

In the first semifinal, the Sacramento Kings beat the Toronto Raptors 98-88. Later, in the second semifinal, the Charlotte Hornets outclassed the Oklahoma City Thunder 109-80. Both teams will return to the court for the grand final of the NBA Summer League on Sunday.

The stage is set ✔️ @hornets 🆚 @SacramentoKings

Who takes the #NBA2KSummerLeague championship? 🏆🏀 pic.twitter.com/BFm0K4F6fM
— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) July 20, 2025

Also Read: Who won the 2025 WNBA All-Star MVP? The MVP for WNBA All-Star Game 2025

Sacramento Kings Maintain Unbeaten Streak to Reach NBA Summer League Finals

Opening the important night of games, the Kings defeated the Toronto Raptors 98-88 . Thus, in addition to guaranteeing a spot in the big decision, Sacramento, which is trying for its third NBA Summer League title in history, maintained its unbeaten streak in the tournament (five consecutive wins).

Without a doubt, the standout performer of the game was Isaac Jones, with 36 points (13-17 from the field) and 6 rebounds in just 29 minutes. Similarly, Mason Jones contributed 17 points and was perfect on free throws (8-8). Rookie center Maxime Raynaud scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

Isaac Jones ERUPTED for 36 points on 13-17 shooting to help the Kings advance to the #NBA2KSummerLeague championship game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RAeUsyHowm
— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2025

Meanwhile, the Raptors were led by Jamal Shead, who had 24 points and 12 assists, but the team failed to shoot from three (only 29%) and suffered from turnovers. The key player to watch in Toronto, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, had a quiet night, with just four points in 23 minutes. Sacramento finished with 49.3% shooting from the field. Toronto, despite making 44.6% of its attempts, was lacking in long-range shooting (9-31).

Charlotte Hornets Outclass OKC Thunder to Reach Summer League Finals

In the second semifinal, the Hornets took to the court with all their best and thrashed the Thunder 109-80. However, the OKC Thunder rested some of their top players from the NBA Summer League. The difference between the teams was clear on the court and on the scoreboard.

#NBASummer championship, HERE WE COME! 🕺 pic.twitter.com/PAvFeDyoKl
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 20, 2025

The fourth overall draft pick, Kon Knueppel, scored 17 points, dished out three assists, and grabbed two steals. Similarly, another promising Hornets rookie, Ryan Kalkbrenner chipped in with eight points. But it was Jaylen Sims, with 25 points (10-14 from the field), who was the standout performer for Charlotte.

On the other hand, Oklahoma City played without Nikola Topic, Ajay Mitchell, Thomas Sorber, and Alex Ducas. With losing every quarter of the game and with poor overall efficiency—just 31.8% shooting from the field—the Thunder were eliminated. Coming off the bench, Erik Reynolds timidly stood out, leading Oklahoma City’s scoring with 16 points.

Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Charlotte Hornets

NBA Summer League

Sacramento Kings

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.