Rookie Kon Knueppel dropped a team-high 21 points and earned MVP honors as the Charlotte Hornets edged the Sacramento Kings 83-78 to win the NBA 2K26 Summer League championship Sunday night in Las Vegas.
The Hornets jumped to a 34-18 lead after the first quarter. Sacramento chipped away at the deficit and pulled within one point twice in the final two minutes, but Knueppel sealed the win with a clutch 3-pointer and free throw to help Charlotte hang on.
Second-round rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner posted 15 points, nine rebounds, one steal, and one block. Jaylen Sims and KJ Simpson added 11 points apiece, with Simpson contributing across the board with seven rebounds, five assists, and one block.
It marks a strong start to Knueppel’s pro career and a promising sign for the Hornets’ young core.