NBA Summer League July 20, 2025

The NBA Summer League came to an exciting conclusion on July 20, 2025, with the Charlotte Hornets claiming their first-ever Summer League championship in Las Vegas. Led by rookie sensation Kon Knueppel, the Hornets defeated the Sacramento Kings 83–78 in a tightly contested title game. Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick, poured in 21 points and was named Finals MVP, while Ryan Kalkbrenner added 15 points and 9 rebounds. Despite a strong showing from Sacramento’s Isaac Jones, who had 24 points and 11 boards, Charlotte maintained control in the final minutes to complete a perfect 6–0 run.

In the day’s earlier consolation matchup, the Boston Celtics dominated the Atlanta Hawks 101–80. Celtics guard Isaiah Wong stood out with 18 points and 6 assists, showcasing excellent control of the offense. Hugo González, Boston’s rising Spanish talent, contributed 8 points in a solid performance that capped off a strong Summer League showing. Atlanta, previously undefeated, struggled to find rhythm and fell behind after halftime as Boston pulled away.

Another notable game featured the Memphis Grizzlies cruising past the LA Clippers 105–82. Memphis guard J. Small led the charge with 17 points and 9 assists, controlling tempo and creating opportunities throughout the game. The Clippers got 24 points from J. Miller, but their defensive lapses allowed Memphis to build a sizable second-half lead and never look back.

The day’s games not only wrapped up the championship bracket but also provided a final showcase for many promising rookies and young players. Charlotte’s complete team performance—anchored by Knueppel, Kalkbrenner, and quality bench play—suggests several of their young players could earn real minutes in the upcoming NBA season. Similarly, Sacramento’s young core showed potential despite falling short, with players like Jones and Carter flashing high upside.

Overall, the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas ended with intensity and promise. From standout individual performances to unexpected team success, the event offered a glimpse of the league’s future talent. For teams like the Hornets, Celtics, and Grizzlies, the day was both a victory lap and a launching pad. With the spotlight now shifting to training camp, several Summer League standouts may soon take the next step into meaningful NBA roles.