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Hornets win Summer League Championship and MVP awarded to Knueppel

Charlotte defeated Sacramento 83-78, with Kon Knueppel leading the team to victory.

July 21, 2025 at 12:54 PM

Hornets' Knueppel Named Summer League Championship Game MVP

Charlotte claimed the Summer League title with standout performances and a perfect record.

Hornets Secure Summer League Championship with Knueppel's MVP Performance

The Charlotte Hornets triumphed at the NBA Summer League, finishing with a 6-0 record and clinching the championship with an 83-78 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday in Las Vegas. The spotlight was on Kon Knueppel, who scored 21 points and earned MVP honors in the championship game. Although he initially struggled in his debut, scoring only five points against Utah, Knueppel rebounded impressively, scoring a minimum of 16 points in each of his following four games. Other notable contributions came from Ryan Kalkbrenner, who recorded 15 points and nine rebounds, and KJ Simpson, who added 11 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The Hornets drafted four players last month, including Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Sion James, and Kalkbrenner, with all showing signs of potential throughout the tournament.

Key Takeaways

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The Hornets went 6-0 at the Summer League, showcasing a strong team performance.

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Kon Knueppel led the championship game with 21 points and was named MVP.

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Ryan Kalkbrenner and KJ Simpson also made significant contributions.

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Knueppel overcame a poor debut performance to shine in subsequent games.

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The team's successful draft strategy is evident, yet injuries complicate player viability.

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Charlotte's victory raises hopes for a competitive season ahead.

"His performance was a turning point for the team during the tournament."

This highlights how crucial Knueppel was to the team's success in the Summer League.

"Despite a shaky start, I found my rhythm and helped the team win."

Knueppel reflects on his early struggles and subsequent triumphs on the court.

Knueppel's emergence as a key player during the Summer League raises expectations for the Hornets as they head into the NBA season. His ability to bounce back from a rocky start shows resilience. While the team has promising talent in their new draft picks, the challenges faced by McNeeley and James could impact their long-term strategy. The Hornets' undefeated run not only solidifies their potential but also offers a test of their preparedness for the regular season.

Highlights

Knueppel proves his worth with a stunning Summer League performance.
Charlotte's young talent shines bright in Las Vegas.
A perfect Summer League run could signal big things for the Hornets.
The Hornets are ready to make waves this season.

Injury Concerns for Hornets Draft Picks

Two of the Hornets' draftees showed promising skills but faced injuries that could impact their playing time and development. McNeeley's hip issue and James's Achilles problem may hinder the team's overall performance going forward.

Knueppel's development will be closely watched as the Hornets aim for success this season.

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hornets nba summer league kon knueppel basketball sports basketball NBA

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