July 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET
The Charlotte Hornets lost their final summer league game to the Sacramento Kings, 92-90.Charlotte finished the summer league with four consecutive losses after an opening win.Rookie Hannes Steinbach led the team with 22 points and 11 rebounds.The Hornets will now turn their attention to the upcoming preseason ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The Charlotte Hornets were unable to defend their 2025 NBA Summer League title this year, as they dropped three consecutive games after taking their opener against the Orlando Magic. For that reason, they were scheduled to play one last consolation game after missing the semifinals.
That game took place Friday evening, as the Hornets battled against the Sacramento Kings. Shooting was once again a weak point for Charlotte as the team converted on 42% of shots from the field and a meager 19% of 3-point attempts. Recent No. 14 overall pick Hannes Steinbach led the way again, finishing with 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting to go along with 11 rebounds and one steal. Both Tidjane Salaun and No. 18 overall pick Christian Anderson Jr. scored 18 points apiece, with Salaun adding eight rebounds while Anderson Jr. added eight assists.
Entering the fourth quarter down by one, the Hornets were unable to make the comeback, falling 92-90 to Sacramento. Now, Charlotte will shift their focus to the preseason, before the 2026-27 season officially begins this October.
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