Knueppel Shines as Hornets Win Summer League
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NBA 2K26 Summer League Wraps Up With Hornets’ Historic Championship
JULY 21,2025
Day 15 Recap: Hornets Secure Championship, Grizzlies Make Statement
The NBA 2K26 Summer League wrapped up with a bang. The Charlotte Hornets clinched their first Summer League title, defeating the Sacramento Kings in the championship game. Meanwhile, two consolation matchups closed out the final day in Las Vegas. Here’s a look at the players who stood out on Day 15.
🏀 Top Performers of the Day
Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) – Championship MVP
Kon Knueppel didn’t let the spotlight faze him. Drafted No. 4 overall and playing alongside top pick Cooper Flagg at Duke, Knueppel stepped up when it mattered most. He led the Hornets with 21 points, including six clutch points in the fourth quarter, to claim the MVP title of the championship game.
- Stats: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 three-pointers (8-21 FG, 4-11 3PT)
- Impact: Showed poise and leadership under pressure
- Summer Averages: 15.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8 APG in 27.7 MPG (40.6% FG, 34.3% from 3)
Although his shooting wasn’t flawless, he delivered when it counted. As a result, expectations for his rookie season are now even higher.
Isaiah Wong (Boston Celtics) – Sharp and Steady
Isaiah Wong made the most of his final Summer League appearance. A second-round pick in 2023, Wong recently helped Žalgiris Kaunas win a title in Lithuania. On Sunday, he showed off his playmaking once again.
- Final Game: 18 points, 6 assists, 3-7 from three in 22 minutes (+28 plus-minus)
- Efficiency: 7.0 PPG, 45.8% FG, 38.5% 3PT, and just 0.8 turnovers per game
Moreover, Wong’s composure and shooting could make him a reliable bench asset in Boston’s rotation.
Knueppel –Javon Small & Tyler Burton (Memphis Grizzlies) – Grit N’ Grind Reborn
The Grizzlies lived up to their gritty reputation. They closed out Summer League with a 105-82 rout of the Clippers in a consolation game. Both Javon Small and Tyler Burton stood out with high-energy performances.
- Javon Small (2025 Pick #48): 17 points (5-9 FG, 3-5 3PT), 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal in 22 minutes
- Tyler Burton (Undrafted 2024): 20 points (8-14 FG), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, +41 plus-minus in 23 minutes
While Small displayed court vision and range, Burton brought relentless hustle. Together, they gave Memphis fans something to get excited about.
🔚 Final Thoughts
In summary, Kon Knueppel’s MVP performance, Wong’s consistency, and the Grizzlies’ dominance capped off an exciting Summer League. The final day in Vegas didn’t disappoint—and for these rising stars, the best may still be ahead. NOWTREND