Hornets, Kings Clash for Summer League Crown
Vegas Showdown Features Unbeaten Squads and Rookie Standouts
The NBA 2K26 Summer League championship hangs in the balance as the surging Charlotte Hornets face the Sacramento Kings in Las Vegas tonight on ESPN. Both teams have navigated the tournament undefeated, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
Semifinal Success Fuels Championship Aspirations
Saturday’s semifinals saw the Sacramento Kings secure their spot with a dominant 98-88 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Undrafted rookie Isaac Jones was the catalyst, exploding for 36 points on an efficient 13-of-17 shooting. He single-handedly pushed back a late Raptors rally, scoring seven unanswered points to seal the win.
Isaac Jones puts on a SHOW in the Summer League Semis 🔥
36 PTS | 13-17 FG | 7-9 3PT | 5 REB
Stream the Finals Sunday on ESPN!#NBASummerLeague pic.twitter.com/Ue9wUq9iM2
— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2025
“We got a G League one, so we definitely need this one,” Jones commented on the opportunity to win a Summer League title.
The Charlotte Hornets advanced with a more lopsided 109-80 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jaylen Sims led the charge with 25 points, while fourth overall pick Kon Knueppel contributed 17 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Sophomore guard Damion Baugh nearly recorded a triple-double with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, including a highlight-reel assist.
“We came to Summer League to compete and stay together,” stated Sims. “And that’s what we’ve been doing. We’ve been having fun…playing together, playing unselfish – and it’s been showing.”
Championship Sunday: A Clash of Offensive Firepower
The championship game pits the Kings against the Hornets, with both teams aiming to etch their name in Summer League history. Sacramento is pursuing a third Vegas title, while Charlotte seeks its first.
Charlotte, guided by the promising Kon Knueppel, boasts the second-highest scoring offense in the tournament, averaging 101.8 points per game. Knueppel, a former Duke standout, has elevated his play, averaging 17.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over his last three contests. His sharp-shooting efficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 42.1% in that span, makes him a significant threat.
Sacramento counters with a balanced attack led by Nique Clifford, the 24th overall pick. Clifford is shooting an impressive 50.0% from three-point range, contributing 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Isaac Jones continues his hot streak, averaging 17.2 points on 66.7% shooting, and 2024 lottery pick Devin Carter has impressed with his all-around game, posting 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.4 steals.
Devin Carter with the no-look dime! 🤝#NBASummerLeague pic.twitter.com/82y3fVjG4F
— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2025
“We’re really trying to build a winning culture with the Hornets,” Sims said. “So it would mean a lot to us.”
Jones added about the Kings’ journey, “It just shows how hard we play. How much work we put in and how bad we want it.”
In addition to the championship, two consolation games will conclude the Summer League slate: the Atlanta Hawks against the Boston Celtics, and the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Los Angeles Clippers.
WNBA All-Star Classic Shatters Records
The WNBA All-Star Game delivered a historic performance as Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx was named MVP, leading Team Collier to a 151-131 victory over Team Clark. Collier poured in a record-breaking 36 points on 13-of-16 shooting, surpassing last year’s mark of 34 set by Arike Ogunbowale.
Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins also made history, recording the first-ever triple-double in WNBA All-Star Game history with 11 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds, all coming off the bench. Her assist total also set a new single-game record.
The innovative 4-point shot, located behind the three-point line, was utilized throughout the game, with rookies Paige Bueckers and Iriafen making the first and last attempts, respectively.
Youth Circuits Showcase Future Talent
On the high school circuit, the Nike Peach Jam Playoffs are underway in Augusta, S.C., featuring emerging talent. Saturday’s action included a dramatic 19-point comeback by Team WhyNot, led by Trevor Ariza‘s son, Tajh Ariza.
Team WhyNot mounts a 19-point comeback! Tajh Ariza leads the way with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists to secure the semi-final win. pic.twitter.com/e3qHj3xJzV
— NBA Future Now (@nbafuturenow) July 21, 2025
Four championship games are scheduled for today on NBA TV, including the 16U Finals between Indy Heat and Florida Rebels, and the 17U Finals featuring New Cleanser against Brad Beal Elite.
In Chicago, the girls’ Nike Nationals and Tournament of Champions are in full swing. Highly touted recruit Sydney Savoury scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Michigan Crossover. Averie Lower impressed with a perfect 5-of-5 shooting performance from three-point range.
