SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS CHARLOTTE HORNETS 🏀 NBA SUMMER LEAGUE 2025 LIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY

SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS CHARLOTTE HORNETS 🏀 NBA SUMMER LEAGUE 2025 LIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY

than four teams that are left undefeated after today. We are set to tip things up. It is Charlotte coming out wearing the white. It is the Spurs coming out wearing the black. We just had a real good game with the Knicks and the Pacers. I hope this one will follow it up. And it is the Spurs who have won the tip. The Spurs this summer have done a lot of things really well at the offensive end, in particular their three-point shooting. There is Bryant right on Q. His three off the mark and the rebound goes to Walker Jr. They’re number one in this summer league at shooting almost 42% from beyond the arc as a team. A lot of that has been Jones Garcia. He has been electrifying in the scoring department. Brener with the handoff. AJ Simpson, his runner, left it short and the Spurs coming the other way. David Jones Garcia leads this team in scoring over 24 points per game. A product out of Memphis. Bryant from the same spot. I love that it falls. I What did I say 30 seconds ago? You want to see him be aggressive and and I get the idea like, hey, everybody wants to win this game. They want to win this game, but they’ve got to get him engaged offensively and free him up. Here’s Khan Canipple. His first shot rims out and the rebound goes to Ingram for the Spurs. Harrison Ingram is also miked up for us. Bryant will take it into the big man. Goes off the dome there of minutes. Simmons one on two kick out and Simpson rattles in the three ball. KJ Simpson Simpson can really score the basketball. Played for Tad Bole at Colorado, high school ball at Shamanad in Southern California. And Carter Bryan at it again. You can’t even finish on one shot when you got Bryant already horsing it on the other end. His second three. I love what I’m seeing out of Carter Bryant right now. We talked about it on the Zoom earlier today. Did you know and Joan Garcia is a great story here, but for the Spurs organization and where they want to be and where they want to go and who they’re counting on. They’re counting on number 11 in black. Ryan Conbr is he the biggest steel of the draft. 34th overall pick. He has been a force so far this summer. really good defensive player. Obviously four times Big East defensive player of the year [Music] after Junior thought about it, puts it on the deck into traffic and he lost it with the turnover. Carter Bryant three of 24 from three in the first couple of games here in Las Vegas, not showing any hesitation. And I talked about his mechanics. His mechanics are really good. Look at the balance on his feet. both of his three-point shots. Exact same position out on the wing. Nice pocket pass finds Dio who will push off of his spot. Lowers his shoulder. Rebound to Sims. If you’re that off balance, you probably shouldn’t shoot the ball. He got pushed and was nudged and and was fading away. That makes that shot a lot more difficult when you’re trying to hit a moving target. Splits the D high off the window in his first bucket. Noted for his three-point shooting, underrated with his strength and size and ability to finish inside traffic. He’s got that Midwest strength out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. [Music] 63. Remember doing a preseason game for Duke. Everyone was hyping up Cooper flag. Was excited to see what he could do. But we were in the gym for the practice for Duke and everyone was like, “Wait a minute. Who is this kid? Who is this Kipple? He just has this motor, this energy, this toughness that stood out on the floor. Shot clock’s at one. Got to get it up. Got it. A seven nothing run here for the Hornets. Right now, five of the first six shots for the Spurs have been from beyond the arc. Good defense. There’s Sims going one-on-one and he will draw the foul on Jones Garcia. Really good job of springing the trap on ball. Watch the way KJ Simpson fights over the top of the screen. Sims swipes. Simpson gets it and just legitimately grabs it with one hand and just dumps it forward for Sims to be able to try to get to the free throw line and manufacture some points. [Music] So Jaylen sends the line to shoot two out of UNCC Wilmington. He had 13 and three against the Mavs. He had 12 against the 76ers, 13 versus the Jazz. He appeared in six games averaging seven points per contest. Charlotte in rebuild mode right now. Four picks in the most recent draft. also in get healthy mode. Like to see LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller out on the floor for extended period of time over the course of summer defensively. Good pressure again by Sims and he forces the foul that is called on San Antonio. No, I think it’s going to be on Sims. Thinking about Sims. All right, that’s still good defense to dislodge it right away. Good defense initially, right? Good hands. loses the ball. Then there comes the foul right there. Yep. Jones Garcia pulls up from three. He needs no room. That’s why he leads this team this summer in scoring. Yeah. Third overall in the summer league at over 24 points per contest. [Music] turn around jumper. Jones Garcia does not need much room. Gives it off to Mix. The pass inside and Dio unable to finish, but he gets the foul. It is Charlotte with an early two-point lead. A battle of the unbeatens. We’ll be back. NBA 2K26 Summer League is proudly sponsored by NBA 2K26, rated E for everyone. [Music] I wanted to be basic but pop out a little bit. And I feel like this suit kind of pop out a little bit. Little saying me my mom always say uh never too high never too low red. I mean I don’t know what this design is but it look cool. Who that is? You got somebody. Dang. This is crazy. I did not know it looked like this. I always dreamed of being in a position like this. I’m just excited. I’m ready. And I’m ready to get drafted. This is what we right now. With the second pick in the 2025 NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs select Dylan Harper. Love you, mama. Appreciate you, pop. My boy. Congrats, boy. But we in the same state now sir right next to each other. Yo what’s good. [Music] Welcome back to Las Vegas. Day eight of 11 here of this summer league. The Hornets with an early lead. Time to welcome in the third member of our crew, Vanessa Richardson, who has more on the Spurs, David Jones Garcia. Hey guys, as you both know, summer league is about making the most of every precious opportunity, and it is safe to say that David Jones Garcia has done just that. I spoke to summer league head coach Mike Noise, who said Jones Garcia has been phenomenal. He says the two have gotten really close during summer league this year. Said he’s very open to constructive criticism and getting better. He said the main thing about him is that he is a team first guy. He’ll do whatever it takes to win. He said when Dylan came back, he had to move to the bench. And the first thing he said was, “I’ll do whatever it takes to win.” So, I had to ask him, okay, safe to say that he really fits that Spurs culture. And of course, he said yes. He totally fits that long-standing, well-known, selfless San Antonio Spurs culture. Guys, you talk about all the selfless you want. You know what he’s delivered? Points, buckets over and over and over again. Great pass by Canipple. Left it right on the rim for Colt Greer. Also, Jones Garcia has coached in college by Penny Hardway at Memphis. That’s why he knows how to be unselfish. Team first guy and a lot of guys are deciding to play for Memphis because Penny Hardway gets them ready for the lead. The other thing too about Jones Garcia that we talked so much about his scoring, he’s also been impactful at the defensive end of the floor, playing the passing lanes, getting creating opportunities and steals. That’s as important, trust me, as he’s being evaluated by the Spurs is not just for his scoring, but can he defend and and can he operate in that side of the ball. That’s awkward. Awkward, but effective drawing the foul. Coniple for the Hornets. He made his first bucket. Get tries to get downhill again. Caulner does a great job screening the back line of the defense. Has to step over. Almost got caught on the rim, but able to get it up over the top. And you see Dio have to step all the way out to Caniple. And that means that there’s nobody in that weak side that’s going to get between Cochrunner and the rim. Dexter Dennis a chance at the line makes the first of two. Talk about a guy that’s a defensive minded player. He was the AAC defensive player of the year when he was at Witchah State before he went to Texas A&M. So interesting the landscape of college basketball now. Make a name for yourself with NIL. Guys are looking to go all over. And we’re also seeing guys stay in college longer than they have in the past. Fewer early entries because they they are getting the money and they’re getting a chance to develop their game. It’s not looked at as a stigma anymore. The longer you stay in college. Well, you’re starting to see guys get drafted like we saw neat Clifford yesterday. There’s guys spent five years in college. What a great summer league he’s had. and to to play his way from what would have been a second round pick into a first round pick. How about that rebound? Jones Garcia put he’s strong. Very very strong. But to my finish my point on on on a guy like Meek Clipper, you know, five years in college, he would have been a second round pick. He stays continues to show his versatility and because of that plays his way into a first round pick and now has found a situation with Sacramento where he’s going to be an impactful player this year. NIL kept him in college. without NIL, he’d probably leave, try to chase the dream and be a second round pick. A lot of NBA scouts and executives, they actually love the NIL because it means they’re getting more of a finished product when guys make it to them in the NBA. Simpson junior trying to wheel and deal three ball short and Dennis with the board does not have numbers [Music] inside the flush. Oifo Harrison Ingram, excellent job driving and dumping down. All of a sudden, the Spurs on a run against the Hornets. They had a Hornets had a seven nothing run and had control of this game. The Spurs getting some stops defensively and starting to execute at the offensive end. [Music] pass. There we go. Take ball. Take ball and wide. Yeah, TJ. Yeah, KJ. Driver. Driver. We need to stop, White. Hey, come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Yo, we’re giving up the lead. We got to stay with you. Get back. Take ball. Take ball off him. Off him. You want me to get big fella? Hey, Mr. Re. That’s a big fella down there. Trail me. Trail me. Trail me. [Music] [Applause] Good pass. See. Oh, that’s a pro foul. That’s NBA foul. [Music] Yes, sir. Call. Way to rebound, y’all. That’s our run. [Applause] Come on, baby. They call him a a demon. You a demon, boy. Listen, get out. When you in stack, they giving a mid-range up so I could drive at you like I drove a deal. Back door. N back. Anything you want to do, just let’s just do something. I’ll back door, man. Fan perks. That’s a win with NBA ID. Get exclusive merch deals, chances to meet NBA legends, and more all summer long. Join free now at nba.com/id or in the NBA app. Sean Farm, have you enjoyed your time here in beautiful Las Vegas? It hasn’t been as hot as it has been in years past. It’s still over 100. You know that, right? Yeah, but that’s to be expected. Last year it was about 116 every day. Well, I’m glad it’s not. Okay. So, you’re saying you have enjoyed your time now? I enjoyed my time. Yeah. Very nice. Yeah. If you come to Vegas and you don’t have a good time, that’s on you. Good battle inside. Fighting for position and Mangis now comes away with the ball. We had a number of situations. Simpson trailing the play. Course bas Jir Nelson Jr. back iron and the board goes to Damen B. You had three on the strong side there. Two defensive players could guard all three. Somebody needed to move for the Spurs. [Music] Well, Victor Webyama missed the last two months of the season with a blood clot in his right shoulder. His rookie season versus last year. And talk about guys coming back healthy. This is the important piece here for the San Antonio Spurs. And we mentioned Cooper Flag earlier today as a generational talent. So is this young man. And you you use a centerpiece of an organization and really important to see that continued growth. You talk about Castle being rookie of the year. We was rookie of the year, but could Dylan Harper maybe play his way into that. It’d be the first time in league history that a team had three straight rookies of the year. Uh but then you you talk about acquiring pieces like De’Aran Fox and wanting to see all of those come together under head coach Mitch Johnson. I think it’s exciting times that you know that you could look at all the assets that they hold as far as future picks and whatnot plus the roster that they’ve constructed and you can start to think and easily close your eyes and say the Spurs are back and that’s in a in a loaded Western Conference. Now, are they back to the point where they’re going to be a favorite in the West? Probably not this year, but they’re moving in that direction. in a young piece like Carter Bryant being as explosive and as aggressive as he’s been so far. Three of four shooting for Carter Bryant. How about the number two overall pick and then good defense in Dylan Harper. He was a guy in his opening press conference he said with all the pieces that we have we’re going to make the playoffs. He was very confident the signing of Luke Cornet, the backup big man, a 4-year $41 million deal. They traded for Kelly Olen. You talked about De’aran Fox. This will be his first time being in training camp with the Spurird after coming over at the trade deadline. There’s a lot of pieces now in San Antonio to work around Lemanyama and excitement and should the arena should be packed. People should be leaving the state of Texas and how great the state of Texas has become in the NBA in particular with a lot of the moves that they’ve made in the the last year or so. The the epicenter of the Western Conference now will be focused on Texas. You’d like that from a rookie saying we’re going to make the playoffs before he’s even stepped foot on the hardwood. He should anticipate that. He’s looking at the same roster you just commended and said, “Hey, that’s a really good roster.” Like he he’s sitt there going, “Well, heck, we got a good team here.” Back-to-back rookies of the year, Dear Fox, veteran pieces now off the bench and guys like Kelly Olen. We saw Cornet and his impact and what he made for the Celtics in the postseason. [Applause] Shot clock winding down. Deflected out of bounds. It’ll be 2.6 on the shot clock here for the Spurs to work with. Obviously Buford’s seen a lot of great teams wear the silver and black. Mangis curling but he couldn’t get the handle. And it’s the Hornets coming away with it. wants to set up the offense here with under two minutes to play in this first quarter. [Music] Well, you talked about the state of Texas. We take a look at what the teams have done in the NBA. Kevin Durant to the Rockets. Cooper flag first overall could change the franchise of the Mavs. Vanessa, yeah, you are the reporter for the Rockets. Indeed. What has that meant to the Houston Rockets? I mean, I think it’s meant everything. And the the thing is they’ve obviously haven’t even played yet. I when I talk to the young guys over the last couple of days, Amen Thompson, Reed Shepard, Jabari Smith Jr., they are not only excited to play with Kevin Durant, but they’re excited to learn from him. And the thing that Eme Udokus has constantly because Eay coached him in Brooklyn and with Team USA is that his preparation and work ethic is second to none. So I’m really looking forward to the Rockets young guys having one of the greatest players ever as that example. I think it’s going to be huge for them. I think about Kevin Durant. He’s averaged over 25 points per game in every single season he’s played with exception of his rookie year. It’s crazy. I just and you talk about work ethic. the year he won the MVP trophy, he was working at UCLA. He was doing three a days. Speaking of threes, Carter Bryan with another one. Carter Bryan is lighting up here in this first quarter. Three threes, 11 points to lead the way for the Spurs. He needed this game. He needed this game to feel kind of back into his rhythm at the offensive end and showing his full capabilities. And speaking about capabilities, nipple a little nastiness to his game with the step back three. I love to see it. I This game matters. As you mentioned, the team that wins here is going to have a chance to be one of the four teams potentially to play for the ring. And the guys that were the high picks out on the floor right now, Keniple and Bryant do an outstanding job of getting their feet set and knocking it down. The third three-pointer for Carter Bryant. Remember, he was three of 24 over all of summer league here in Vegas. He’s got three already here in the first half and first quarter. And then Khan Caniple a little side step creates that space. He doesn’t need a lot of space to finish. Talked about the intensity of this ball game. Look at this rebound by PJ Hall. He says, “Give me that. Get off the rock.” PJ Hall is a grown man. I he played at Clemson and he is a strong, physical player. Very athletic. Can shoot the ball from the outside. did a great job for Brad Brownl’s team. Under a minute to play here in this first half. Back and forth we go. The Spurs a one-point lead. As a reminder, either of these teams will advance in the playoffs. They have to win this game. The loser will be eliminated from playoff contention. And point differential matters. We’ve got three already in the clubhouse. Dennis lost it. Here comes Canipple the other way going one-on-one against Min. to help. D was there, but a goalend called on Bryant. Count the bucket. I like the I like the effort by Carter Bryant, though. And incredible effort at the defensive end of the floor. That’s where he’s made his name so far. And you look at the first three games, averaging four points per game, struggling. And then tonight, 11 points, three of four from deep. And and I mentioned his mechanics are really good. At Arizona, it wasn’t his role to score. There were other guys. As we talked about Caleb Love having his hands on the ball for Tommy Lloyd’s team on a consistent basis, there were other guys they counted on to score and he had to come off the bench and play his role and sacrifice some of his game. Well, now you got to expand it back out. Oh, give me that. PJ Hall says not today. [Applause] [Music] We can get excited about dunks. You better get excited about blocks as well. Outstanding job rotating over, just sending that into the crowd. And then he secures it with a rebound and a rifle to the other end. PJ Hall, he has made an impact coming off the bench. A 7 nothing run by Khan Canipple himself to end the quarter. It’s the Hornets up one. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Welcome back to Las Vegas Summer League. So happy to be joined now courtside by Carter Bryant. And Carter, a close and physical game so far. What do you like the most about the way your team came out? I think we were ready in terms of physicality and being ready to just make the right play. We’ve always been prepared throughout the whole summer league. So, it’s nothing different for us just being prepared from the get- go. And individually, how good does it feel for you to find a rhythm? I mean, finding a rhythm means nothing to me. I’m just trying to win a basketball game at the end of the day. So, when I have 30 points or two, like, it really doesn’t matter to me. I think for me, I’m just trying to win a basketball game cuz I think for me, winning trumps everything. Love it. Thanks, Carter. I appreciate it. Thank you, guys. Well, winning might trump everything for him and it’s true. He sacrificed a lot of his game at Arizona, but good to see a level of aggressiveness out of him early in this game. And speaking about aggressiveness, that’s all PJ Hall has done since he stepped on the floor for the Hornets. Imagine PJ Hall flying at you like that. Yeah, you’ll give up the block, too. Battle for the board. It’s won by the Hornets. A three-point lead here as we start this second quarter. Nine nothing run. Canipple decided to give it up. Walker Jr. spots his feet and the long board back to the Hornets. Charlie’s just winning these energy plays right now. [Music] PJ Hall will grab the rim to protect everybody as a foul called on the Hornets. Can we look at that dump starting the corner? Yeah, during Carter Bryant’s interview, you see the pass that dump and just explosion right up to the top. He is very physical, very strong player that is capable of getting to that dunker spot and just brought good lift and athleticism to finish. So Jir Nelson Jr. will knock down the first free throw spent last season with the Austin Spurs in the G-League. Lots of G-League guys playing on this summer league team here with the Spurs. a pretty good game against the 76ers with seven points and four assists to kind of get things going. Dad was sitting in the front row watching that contest. [Music] Feel like the stigma around playing in the G-League is no longer there. Guys understand how valuable the G-League can be as a tool to develop. As Ken cuts back door and lays it in off the pass from B. Just non-verbal communication, synergy, and awareness. In a short period of time, that can be tough to build during the summer. But the Nipple with a great cut. Nelson passes it off and Hall with the swipe down. Gets the steal. [Music] Running the floor. Walker Jr. Back and forth action we go. Jones Garcia, you know, he likes that look. And a foul to try to settle this game down. Three-point lead for the Hornets. And Kip, we talk about his shooting, his basketball IQ and awareness. Look, see how he raises his hand. Carter Bryant’s putting a really good job defensively his entire time here in Las Vegas, but a little bit too much space and Canipple able to get the back door cut and be able to finish. And then Hall with just the slap down. That was a little Hardenesque. I love the James Harden like nonchalant slap. That was like a little bit more aggressive. There was a wind up to it. Yeah. I don’t think anything PJ Hall does would be described as nonchalant. If the NBA thing doesn’t work out for Hall, the WWE might call. Imagine that guy in a squared circle. Maybe even like a tight end in football, right? We’ve seen it done before. Summer League action continues on NBA TV, ESPN and the ESPN app. On NBA TV tonight, got Golden State taking on Toronto in the Night Cap. And then tomorrow, got a triple header. Dallas, Orlando, Philly, Brooklyn, and Utah taking on the Chicago Bulls at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. [Music] Great environment here that has been created here with the NBA Summer League. [Music] as officials want to stop play, make sure the clock is set to the right time. Fans get a chance to come in the arena. There’s two sides here. You got Thomas and Mack and then you obviously got the side court. You can just walk to one or the other. Got two games going on at the same time. And then after the game, the players kind of hang around. So, the young kids get a chance to get up and close, get pictures, get autographs. It is a very cool intimate setting that has grown here in Las Vegas. Baseline. Just taking bodies with him. Don’t get in his way. I mean, there’s aggression. And then there’s PJ Hall. That was strong. The ability to bring it back, the aggressiveness in which he threw it down. He has come onto this court and he has changed the game and played with such amazing purpose. And it’s a four shot there at the rim. I got my eye on PJ Hall now. And he sets massive screens. [Applause] [Music] Walker Jr. leans in off the glass. No good. Three-point lead here for Charlotte. PJ Hall only has four points. Doesn’t matter. Both of them have been dunks. And he stopped the put back there and he commits the foul on the second attempt. The net is still ruined from the dunk, by the way. Like, if you look at the Hornets net, it he he dunked it so hard that it’s been two minutes and the net still hasn’t come down yet. Got to make sure the rim isn’t crooked. That’s impressive. I mean, look, make an impact. You come off the bench, what do you get asked? Can you make an impact? Can you make a play? PJ Hall say, “Yeah, I got to play.” And that net has sat like that ever since the dunk. He’s had some big blocks, some big rebounds, a couple dunks. PJ Hall, a welldeserved breather here for the Hornets. Part of knowing your role, too, is knowing you can go out there and you go really hard for five minutes, right? Like you you you got five minutes, PJ, here’s your five minutes. play as hard as you possibly can for those five minutes and impact the game. Then we’re going to sit you back down and you can rest for a little bit. You’re not going to be out there for elongated windows, but can you change the game while you’re out on the floor? Can you make an impact and let everybody know your presence is there? PJ Hall has done that better than anybody in the gym today. We talked about all the high draft picks and who you’re excited to see, but PJ Hall so far has stolen the show here in this Hornet Spurs matchup at the rim. No good. But a whistle as Jaylen Sims will get a trip to the free throw line. They just finally fixed the net, too. By the way, players went up after fell like, I’m just going to go ahead and straighten that thing out. [Music] It is so important when you come to the summer league to understand like what we’re talking about like not every player is going to get 25 minutes of extended run and certainly if you’re going to play on the full roster you’re not going to have that length for a lot of these players that are out on the floor at least early on or you’re going to be playing that significant minutes unless you’re a high-end draft pick right so you’ve got to figure out how you can impact the game Jones Garcia has shown the ability ility to impact the game because of his elite level scoring as Vanessa was talking about earlier in the broadcast, his ability to create steals. DJ Hall comes in this game, he’s setting great screens. He’s been a force and a strength underneath the basket and then aggressive at the offensive end making sure that he’s finishing with authority. He’s still laughing on the bench telling stories to his boys. He found that lane wide open and took some people on a ride with him. Ingram that set shot and the three falls. Ingram had such a productive career. First at Stanford before he went to North Carolina, been a little bit undersized as a forward, but can really rebound the basketball. Another three. This time it’s KJ Simpson leads this Hornets team coming into this game with over 19 points per game. [Music] And it’s being by Canipple. Trying to spin his way to some space. Eventually gives it off to Ingram. [Applause] And the Spurs will keep it alive. That one off of Piper’s hands and his finger got jammed a little bit and he’s looking at that left hand. Johnny Fury, they had the clubhouse leader for dunk of the summer. It still might be the best one, but no dunk has been stronger or with more ferocity and anger than PJ Halls. [Music] jersey. Go. Nice. Go. Okay. Get the ball. Pass it. Today we at the University of Victoria. We’re doing a a junior NBA basketball clinic. And what we’re doing is we’re just imparting some skills on dribbling, passing, shooting, and all the fundamentals of basketball. Uh what we like to see in junior NBA is lots of smiles, lots of fun. You know, that’s when the kids learn more. If you make the experience enjoyable, the kids pay more attention. They’re more engaged. We learned a lot from the coaches. Got a lot of insight. Good to see people take interest in it. And it’s a good sign to see. You’re not getting anywhere. So, you want giving good caution. You’re going to move like this. Look, look. There’s a lot of energy. It’s beautiful, man. It brings a lot of hope to us young African kids that, you know, one day we could play at that level. It brings a lot of hope. 46 [Music] guys. That’s why you’re making them. We have a lot of young talent and we’d like to thank you NBA Africa so much for coming here and just, you know, improving our basketball. 56 [Applause] Welcome back to the NBA 2K26 summer league here from Las Vegas, Nevada. Alongside Shawn Fart and Vanessa Richardson, I’m John Shriffin and we are pleased to be joined by Bobby Marx who is our front office insider. And Bobby, we have got some news today around the association. Can you tell us about the Damen Lillard deal and what that means here in Mal for the Trailblazers? Yeah, Damen Lillard back to Portland on a three-year $42 million contract. He becomes only the second player now with LeBron James to have a no trade clause in his contract, player optioner. I think it’s a I think it’s a terrific story. You know, listen, the reality is Damen Lo probably will not play next season here coming off that Achilles. Uh but from where he is certainly personally with his kids in Portland, where he is rehabbing right now, I do think there’s that family element to it all. and he gets to go back to Portland with uh Drew Holiday, the guy he was actually tra he was. It’s amazing. It come kind of comes full circle as far as the player that he was traded for. Had an issue of whether or not there was a shot clock violation. The officials overturned their call and we’ll give the Hornets back the ball. You mentioned the two of them together, the Western Conference, you know, looking longterm. Like is this just the feelood and the ability to end the story where it began for Dane or do you think when you look at the components now with the Drew Holiday with a Dame Lillard and some of the younger components have been able to draft that the the Trailblazers are are in a situation where they’re going to try to fight for a playin potentially in the Western Conference. Yeah, I don’t think you go out and do the Drew Holiday trade without thinking you have a chance to compete for at least a playin spot here considering where Holiday is at age. I think it’s I think it’s a little bit of a combination of both. think I think it’s a great feelood story, but the reality is is that if you thought Damen Lillard is the best free agent out there and you had to wait a year to do it, then you might as well go out and try to get him and do that here. And it’s an interesting mix with their roster. When you look at, you know, Donovan Klingan and you look at Shaden Sharp and Scoot Henderson, there’s a kind of a mix of young and more seasoned veterans with that group. Let’s talk about some of the guys on the floor who are playing here today. Conanle, fourth overall pick for the Hornets. What have you seen from him that’s impressed you so far this summer? Well, it you know, his shooting is is his trademark there. And it’s certainly for a Charlotte team that was desperate uh for him with Kell who I think he shot 48% on corner threes last year. Um it adds to another one of these young players when you look at certainly Brandon Miller who they acquire drafted a few a few years ago here. Uh Liam McNeel they also drafted. Um, so it’s, you know, they’re a little bit behind where San Antonio is hoop right now. Where San Antonio is when you’ve got Victor on your roster and Dylan Harper, um, Devin Vel, of course, you are a little bit more probably advanced as far as from a rebuild here. You mentioned they they had a couple of high draft picks, obviously. Dylan Harper not playing here today. Back-to-back 16-point games for him. Showed what he needed to show. Uh, Carter Bryant much more aggressive today. and and while he hadn’t shot the ball well, we’ve all been talking about his mechanics and how solid they are. Today, getting to see the ball go through, he’s made an impact defensively so far as a as a front off former front office guy when you’re watching a young draft pick come out and be assertive like that. How much does it make you smile and think, “Okay, yeah, we want to stretch you a little bit here and see what you’re capable of.” Well, it’s all this summer league is about trying to make you uncomfortable and experiment with different things. I saw him we saw him on um last Saturday in that um that Dallas game here. He reminds me of a young OG Aninobi just based on his physique as far as uh you know certainly from his athleticism and and from his build here. Uh I’m happy to see him out here. Um you know we kind of get to this stage where we start seeing you know draft picks starting to rest and and not playing here. But I do think it’s important and as I said it’s like getting better each day and he’s he certainly has that. We talked earlier about Cooper Flag first overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks. What are your impressions of seeing him in his couple games here in the game? Yeah, what I liked about Cooper and we were I was able to sit in the perch up there and kind of have a um you know an over uh an endzone seat. What I liked about him in day two and we I I talked to a scout after day one and I said, “What do you think?” He goes, “Yeah, he’s got to get better going to his left, right, his left hand.” And it almost made it like feel like in game two, he made a conservative effort like, “You know what? This is something I need to work on. I’m going to continually try to go left. Something I need to uh improve on.” when he gets downhill, um, you know, he’s he is pretty dangerous. I thought that kind of opened up the ability to shoot defensively. I think he can I think he can go in an NBA game right now and defend at a at a pretty good level. So, we talk about those guys in which we know and obviously take a look at the numbers, 31 points on 50% shooting as you’re just talking about with a Cooper flag. There’s other guys here in the summer like a Jones Garcia that’s been really a standout. Not just from the scoring perspective, but I think we talked so much about his scoring. We’re not giving him credit for getting in getting a tough rebound, the steals that he’s been able to create, or even a guy like PJ Hall, who we’ve seen in a very small window come out with a level of aggressiveness in setting screens and impacting the game. From a general manager’s perspective, what are you looking for in some of those other guys that are literally fighting for the chance and the opportunity? Well, I think it’s twofold. I think there’s either are you looking at him on a two-way contract, which is basically an extension of your roster. You’re allowed to have three, or is he a guy that you can bring on as a um onto your regular roster here, kind of maybe the back end, and you see some development here. I I think players like that, it’s an open audition for all 30 teams. Um, that that’s how I look at it here. And I think, you know, there’s no no better venue than summer league here, but that’s where how does he fit with your regular group? Is, as I said, is he a two-way guy? Is he is he someone that can come off the bench and make shots for you? Um, but that’s that’s how I look at as far as it’s it’s basically kind of a backend extension, but we’ve seen a lot of those play. I mean, we saw Fred Van Levo undrafted and basically work himself up from a two-way player to now, you know, a high level starter. We just saw the depth chart for the San Antonio Spurs. We had talked about Dylan Harper being drafted second overall and he came out by saying, “We’re going to make the playoffs.” How good can this Spurs team be with everyone being healthy? Yeah, it’s interesting. It’s a team that has not qualified for the play in the last two years and it’s this Western Conference is extremely good and I I give him credit for being confident. Why not? Uh they made two nice additions with Luke Cornet and Kelly Olen. They got some size uh around Victor. They have um Dylan Harper and Deion Fox um and Stefan Castle who won rookie of the year. I think the hard part for me to evaluate San Antonio is because we only saw um Victor and and Fox in a small body of work before Victor went down. But it’s the Western Conference is such a bear because you’re saying, “All right, who we’re going to make the playoffs now. We’re looking at all right, who from last year’s group is now going to be taking themselves out of this year?” A 90 run here for the Hornets to extend out this to a 10-point lead. Bradley Beal two-year 11 million deal with the Clippers. He had one of the worst contracts in the NBA. Now it’s one of the more favorable ones looking to fill the void for Norman Pal. I do want to get your thoughts on that, but we have a commercial break. Take it away. All right, that means Bobby Marks is sticking around. A 120 run for the Hornets. We’ll be back after this. [Music] It’s never seen before. [Music] from [Applause] K Thompson. All right, this time you hit a layup. Let’s go. Guard up. Really? Why don’t you just watch it on NBA League Pass? They’re giving me every angle. Yeah, I see that. But okay, you get multi- view and multiple angles. What about local language streams? Show them, son. Yeah, they got that, too. Well, kids, we’ll remember this day. Nothing like watching League pass with the family, huh? [Music] [Music] Welcome back. We were talking Bradley Beal with Bobby Marks who has our ESPN front office insider. Take us through. Yeah, he was waved by Phoenix. His salary was stretched over 5 years roughly 19 million. He is going to signed with the Los Angeles Clippers 2 years 11 million once he clears waiverss. It’s it’s it’s a funny and I was teasing an exec. I said, “Man, we talk about Bradley B 54.” I’m like, “Man, that’s not a good contract.” And and then months from now or two months be like 5 million a year, that’s a value deal. And it’s all about the perception as far as how he can impact the Clipper team that that needed some depth um with uh with their roster after they traded Norman Powell to Miami. What do you make of the Clippers and and the moves that they’ve made? Is there another move out there that they might be looking at? I still think they need some back court depth. I think, you know, they’re still the best available out there. what as far from a guard position, not not the restricted group here like Josh Giddy, but Chris Paul’s still out there and he’s 40 years old and he’s a former Clipper and he played all 82 games last year and he’s still averaging seven assists and I think if Chris is fine with his role as far as what it could be with the Clippers, probably coming off the bench, I think that he could give you probably the most value of any free agent out there. Has there been anybody this summer that has opened your eyes? Wow, the window Damen B. Okay. An 18 nothing run and that’ll cause a timeout for the San Antonio Spurs. All right, Bobby, we’re going to let you go on this bank shot. Crazy off the window. The Hornets fans want you to stay, Bobby, because ever since you sat down with us, the Spurs haven’t scored. [Music] [Applause] I think we’re all given these gifts and these positions in life and it’s our job to be good stewards of that. Hold it like this. That was super fun, you know, just being able to put them through some drills and seeing how happy they were to be out there with some NBA player. That’s why we do it. Those are the people that are pouring so much energy into us. So, it’s definitely always fun to be able to give back tonight. [Applause] [Music] All right, let’s take a look at the pavilion right now going on over there. It’s Atlanta taking on Memphis. That game is important because Atlanta is also undefeated. Here’s the scenario. If they win by less than 30, Oklahoma City, who is currently sitting in the number one spot, they will clinch a playoff spot as we take a look at the Thunder right now. If they stretch that up to 30 in the final couple minutes that game, that’d be a heck of a run for the Hawks. But OKC just it’s crazy how well they’re structured and organized, right? I mean, like they’re the blueprint, right? You do it with the draft. You develop young guys. You get pieces around them and then you get a title. Fight for the rebound. Your guy PJ Hall back on the floor. Well, just the level of efficiency right now. 51% shooting from the field. 44% from three for the Hornets. Meanwhile, defensively has dialed in. I this is a Spurs team that has performed so well here at the offensive end of the floor and yet today not the case. Everything’s a contested shot. The defensive effort from the Hornets has been outstanding so far. It’s an 18 to nothing run and I know you joked about it but as soon as Bobby Marks got on the set, things started to change and the Hornets took it to another level. opponents are taking it to another level and I I think a lot of that is is because they’re being able to play through their defense. Like so often we talk about your rhythm being established at the offensive end of the floor. I think the defensive identity of the Hornets and how they’ve competed at that end has ignited energy and flow to their offensive end. They’re holding the Spurs to 26% shooting so far this afternoon. And they did that with PJ Hall on the bench getting the breather. Now he’s back on the floor setting the screen here. ball with a deep one. Had one off the window and he says, “I don’t need the rim for this one.” Another good look though. They’re shooting with confidence. You don’t see a lot of 21 nothing runs in basketball. We’re seeing one right now. Remember that point differential so important for both of these two teams. Oh, a little up and under from Ingram to avoid PJ Hall. That will end the 21 to nothing run. Under a minute to play here in this first half. [Music] Four on the shot clock here for the Hornets. One second. Got to get it up. Simpson and everything is working for Charlotte here in this second quarter. [Music] Jonah Garcia get the feeling like he’s got to start taking over this game as Ingram his shot rims out. 3se second differential between shot and game clock to end this first half. A little bit of that energy we saw from the Spurs early has been completely deflated due to the Hornets and this run. one that’s spreading the floor. [Music] Baseline dump off and the pass is taken away. One second pull three at the horn is not good for Jones Garcia. A 23-2 run to end this first half for the Charlotte Hornets. And it was sparked by the energy of Mr. PJ Hall. This one with two hands. And then you know what’s coming? He’s about to drop the hammer. Why are you jumping with him? We’re at the break. [Music] I ain’t smiling. I’m looking cool as hell. You smile. Oh god. See, I won’t wave right now. You got to palm the ball out. I will. Bro, you’re poor. He just Oh, I look like you, Boogie. I just don’t got all the chains yet. Soon. They coming soon. Don’t worry about me. I myself, bro. You about to get drafted, son. Brother, I’m hugging you first. I’m going go around. I’m ready. So, I’m ready to get rolling, man. Whim just now. The San Antonio Spurs select Dylan Harper. Love you, mama. Yeah, boy. Appreciate it, my dog. Yes, sir. My boy. Congrats, boy. We state now. Right next to each other, coach. Appreciate you, coach. Boy, come on, shorty. Yeah. Yo, what’s good? Hey, I play for my name. Yes, sir. I know. I know who you is. My name is Dylan. I just got drafted to the Spurs. I think I’m think I think I’m your teammate now. I can’t do that with my teammate alone. I made it. Congrats, brother. Yes, sir. C. What up, my Ace Bailey? Oh, that top dog. Who made it? I almost cried. I was I was right there. I’m going to catch you late. Time dog. [Music] We are at the half. A pair of unbeatens. point differential is going to come into play here. So, Charlotte starting to run away with this at the half. Dave McMenan got a chance earlier this week to sit down with the fourth overall pick Coniple here with Charlotte Hornets rookie Khan Canipple. Obviously, it’s been a whirlwind ever since, I would imagine, ending your dream season with Duke in the Final Four to enter your name into the draft to being drafted. Now you find yourself here at Summer League in Las Vegas. How does it sync up in reality versus what you expected it to be? I think it’s pretty similar uh to to my expectations, you know. Um getting out here with and competing for the first time with a bunch of guys you haven’t really played with. Yeah. Um it’s a new challenge. It’s just fun to be playing again. Yeah. I mean, it’s been a while since you actually got to play a game with refs against a team on the other side with a different agenda that wasn’t your teammates, right? Um, was there anything about the level of competition that made you think, “Okay, yeah, this is a step above what I’ve played in the past?” I think so. Yeah. Obviously, like it’s your first pro game, so you’re playing pro players that are all very good in their own right or they’re their best players on their college teams. It’s definitely a step up from just the average college ACC game. Who are the influences that you’ve had in your game, whether it be guys you played against, guys you watched on YouTube clips? Yeah, I mean being from Milwaukee, Chris Middleton, um growing up he was one of my favorite players to watch. You’ve been a motivated person obviously to get to this point. How do you do it? Do you make lists for yourself? Do you make goals, long-term, short-term? Yeah. I mean, I think everybody’s got to make long-term goals. Um but it’s more focusing on the process of each day just getting better. Yeah. um stacking days and then you know hopefully you reach those goals and and they’ll all pay off. What would Coniple’s career look like a decade from now? Yeah. I just I think a guy that that’s contributing to a winning winning organization, you know, that’s what we want to build in Charlotte. So being a guy that, you know, we brought in and help change that and turn that around um would be something I’ I’d really hope uh hope to be. All right. Best of luck on the journey. We’ll all be watching. Yeah. Thank you. Appreciate it. Appreciate it. Shot and keep it out of the lane. Long as Williams the dunk of the summer. Wait a second. Where are we going to see that? That’s a bad man right there now. Are you kidding me? Cocking it back. [Applause] signed a two-way deal. Oh, hello, Las Vegas. Put it on his head. The energy down until this. Oh my goodness. Has it nice with JD Davidson spins it to bring the house down, Mamu Kalis feeling. Wow. The dunk and the foul. Condition of a facial. One bounce, two bounce in your grill. Shooting the basketball. He and all the Lakers. They missed 17. Oh man. Yeah, he packed his [Applause] smart man. Get that relationship with the hit. Oh my god. Look out below. Oo, Rip. That’s something special right there. Rip. Man, this right here right here was super impressive right there. Almost for summer league. In the game prior, the Boston Celtics had Cara Lawson. Oh my goodness. Challenged by the Bulls. Here’s the replay as Michael Moulder steps over outside the line. So, he’s in legal guarding position. Glorious play of the album. Oh no, he didn’t. Oh, no, he didn’t. time in Las Vegas. Greg Brown Bankston clears it. Fresh 14. Carton down the lane. Take that with you. Plus the foul. That’s why we gave the edge to the breakaway. Yeah, you’re right. That’s why you [Music] welcome back to the NBA 2K26 Summer League here from Las Vegas, Nevada, right off the strip here in Thomas and Mack Arena. We got two games going on. We are at the half of our game. This is Charlotte and the San Antonio Spurs. It is the Hornets who started to pull away towards the end of that second quarter. It is important because both of these teams are undefeated. The top four teams will make the playoffs and if there’s more than four undefeated teams, we go to the point differential and right now it is the Hawks who are on the court in the other arena. They need to win that game. They need to win that game convincingly. Alongside Sean Farnum, I’m John Trippen. This is when things get fun. This is day eight of 11 here at the Summer League and both of these teams know that this game matters. And the Hornets, they really put their foot on the gas. They put their foot on the gas and then they built a wall at the defensive end of the floor. I mean, they’ve done everything you could hope for. As a coach, you go back and say, “Guys, we held them to 27% shooting. We shot 51%. They moved the ball. They had multiple players come in and impact the game.” Coniple with a very strong first half, 11 points and and four assists for the number four pick overall. And as you showed that graphic, the Hornets point differential is the lowest of the remaining 3 and 0 teams. So, it’s not just good enough to win this game. And if you’re in that locker room at halftime and you’re the Hornets, you’re saying, “Guys, what we did in the first half really strong, but we cannot let off the gas at all.” Uh because you you need to win by a significant margin. The Spurs are in a much better position if they were able to come back and win this game based on the success that they’ve had here early with some of their other point differentials. Canipple had 11 points in that first half. Damen Ball led the way for Charlotte. He had 13 on three of four from downtown. Here’s Canipple with a hand in his face. Had to get that one up to beat the shot clock. And on the other side, it was Bryant with 11 points here for the Spurs leading the way. Angifa with the offensive rebound. Jones Garcia posing. Gets that one to go. Can’t leave him that open. that his defensive player went in to try to corral the rebound, missed it and and thus forced an awkward long run out and Garcia had as clean of a look as you could hope for. And the Spurs starting off with a little bit of aggression here. You get the three-pointer and then some good defense by Harrison Ingram and picking up the foul on Kon Canip. Wait, Sean, can you take a look at this? We’re going to peek into the other court at the pavilion which is right next door. Atlanta had a lead. It is now gone. It is Memphis with a one-point lead. They’re now at the free throw line. Atlanta has to win that game in order to be in contention to make the playoff by 30 though. I mean like it’s OKC by 30 to knock off to knock off OKC. So OKC looking really good to be the first team that we know is going to be in. I mean we talk about point differential but at the very least you have to get it done and get the W first. And Atlanta right now in a battle with Memphis with just over a minute and a half to play in that game. Gi Jackson, a very talented player out of South Carolina. And give some credit to Memphis. I mean, they’re 1 and2 here in the summer league going against a 3 and 0 team. Three-point lead now with a minute 34 left to go. See the energy in there. That place is packed right now. People understand what’s on the line here in Vegas. Jones Garcia had his legs taken out underneath him. try to pass that one away so it won’t be free throws. Contact made on the pass. This is one. This is the fun part about being here in Las Vegas and having both these games going on and so much online. Three teams here playing inside this window that are all undefeated trying to get to that next phase and have an opportunity to get a ring. Jones Garcia in attack mode. Rolls off the rim. tipped around and Canipple comes away with it. What’s fun is that you’ll start to feel a buzz even here inside Thomas and Mack and people will understand there’s something going on in the other court. You might see fans start to get up, make their way over to the pavilion to try to pack that place and they can just go back and forth all day long depending on what kind of action they want to see. Now one-point game. Got that strong drive for the Hawks. Strong drive here for Sims. Charlotte with a 21-point lead here in this third quarter. as Garcia trying to split the D has it taken away. So the Hawks now retake the lead under a minute to play and the shot rolls in the fist from Khan Canipple. He’s got 14 now to lead the way for the Hornets pass. Oh with the two-handed flush. Great job though by Carter Bryant awareness driving down the lane dumping that one off. Hawks now under 24 seconds. still have the one-point lead. Looking at about a 4se second differential between the shot clock and game clock. [Applause] So, a foul committed by Memphis with Atlanta up by one. That game important because Atlanta, one of the remaining undefeated teams here this summer. and Simpson will be found as he hoisted that three. So, it would be a trip to the free throw line. Teams are also aware of what is going on around them, what they need to do. You see Charlotte here, they are very well aware that the point differential could come into play with this game. Well, an ultraaggressive to start this this second half. And KJ Simpson’s done a really good job kind of orchestrating and and running this offense. He had 10 points in the first half, gets an opportunity to get to the free throw line. I’ve been able to follow this young man’s career since he was in high school in Southern California. A tremendous talent coming out of high school. Goes to Colorado. Had to kind of wait his turn a little bit for Tad Bole to really make an impact. Did. And as soon as he got his chance and he played with the level in which he did that NCAA tournament game where they knocked out Florida. He was sensational. Had an opportunity to go into the draft and trying to make sure that the Hornets know that they’ve got a piece that they can play in their back court. Vanessa, what else you got on KJ? Yeah, I asked Summer League head coach Chris Gent about him. He said, “He is our leader. He’s the heartbeat of our team. He absolutely sets the tone defensively for the entire group. His communication is at a really high level.” And he also said, “His character is unbelievable.” He said, “We got to see that the entire year last year. He’s a special guy, guys.” Character comes into play, especially when you’re fighting for a final spot between you and maybe somebody else. couldn’t control that one. So many things that maybe young players don’t take into account when they’re looking at what are scouts keying in on. It’s not just how many points or assists or rebounds you put up. There’s so many other things that come into play. [Music] We’re still looking in on the game on the right at the pavilion. Atlanta with a three-point lead. Memphis at the line with just over 4 seconds as Oifo can’t finish in close here in our game to the Thomas and Max Center. Feel like Kevin Harland right now calling two games at the same time. I was on the sideline with Kevin Harland was calling a a game in Kansas City when there was another game with playoff implications going on at the same time and he’s calling both games simultaneously. He is one of the best to ever do it. I’m just letting you you do your thing here. Do you mind, Kevin Harland? Yeah, I mean just just lock in the moment. Be present. They wanted to try banking in the free throw line. Here we go. No, they wanted to try to miss. They tried to miss it. They tried to miss it. It ends up being a bank. And now it’s a a two-point game with 4.2 seconds left. You’re going to have to either get the steal immediately on the inbound pass or you’re going to look the foul. Canipple had it poked away and it’s going to be San Antonio ball. John Caniple was wanted to see a foul potentially called on Harrison Ingram there as he bodied him up a little bit. They try to inbound the ball. The guys the guys with the towels are still out on the floor. The poor kids. These guys, you don’t want them getting run over. surprised how Charlotte ran away with this game in that second quarter. Yes, very much so. I I mean, just you’re talking about a Spurs team that has been so efficient at the offensive end and has just set the tone. I mean, sixth best field goal percentage here in the summer league. Rebounded ball well first from beyond the arc and nothing has gone well offensively at all. Some league action. It continues on NBA TV, ESPN, and the ESPN app on NBA TV tonight. Got Golden State taking on Toronto. And then tomorrow, got three games coming at you. Dallas, Orlando, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Utah, Chicago. We’ll finish things off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on NBA TV. So, OKC locks in as the Hawks win by 30. They’ll be one of the four teams playing for a ring. Hard to believe it. Charlotte had just a one-point lead in the second quarter. And a nice take to the bucket. Nelson Jr. gets it. Plus the foul. Good job working down the lane. There hasn’t been a lot of easy offense. Drive baseline. Everybody’s watching the ball. Jir Nelson Jr. gets on the board. They need some stops though. [Music] Oh, don’t let the husky howl. I mean, as a player, I’ll describe myself as versatile. Oh my goodness. Another highlight from the young fella. I have seen enough of Stefon Castle to know that he is a ball. Another hesitation move the king. If his work ethic um how I think it is, his potential is unlimited. At that age, if he got either he don’t let me and his guys got it for sure. Uh as a teammate, I describe myself as unselfish. The Spurs just love this young man. The fourth overall pick who Mitch Johnson gushes about as just a winning player who’s so serious about his craft. As a person, I’ll say chill. Oh, hanging in the loop. Blocked by Castle for Cobra pick sky. Castle is just a hooper. I told you they told me to guard you, so I don’t think I can let you go anymore. Bailey here. Yeah. Yeah, they here. Yeah. Got to get one. What’s up? About to win it. You already know. The first. You’ll be the first every night. Yeah. All right. Saturday, Sunday. Yeah, let’s do it. Feeling Sunday or what? Yeah, that’s why we here, right? I told you. I told you. I All right, welcome back. This is the other court. Four-point lead for Atlanta. Final seconds. Memphis with the hoist. And that’ll do it. It is Atlanta staying perfect. They are now 4 and 0 which means we will update the standings and the Hawks will move into the fourth and final spot. But Sean that is just for the time being. The Thunder have clinched the spot in the semifinals which will start on Saturday. This will continue to change throughout the night because Charlotte right now is up big and once we have a final point total of what the Hornets need to do, we will update that. It’s seven. Okay, we have it now. Seven would pass the Hawks, 13 would pass the Wolves, 21 would pass the Kings, 34 to pass the Thunder. Now, it sounds crazy to say 34, but when you look up and you see a 24-point lead right now, it’s not out of the equation here. That’s why this is going to be really significant. like this is going to be a little bit of a test of will down the stretch here for the Hornets, especially when the Spurs are putting up air balls like that. Like here comes the question, right? Like can you maintain your high level of execution in order to finish this off if you’re the Hornets? If you’re the Spurs, can you get re-engaged in this game? And you know, we’ve seen 20 point leads evaporate in the NBA frequently. hasn’t happened as much here in the summer. So, Simpson Jr. shooting the free throw is the take foul. Hornets get the shot and a ball as PJ Hall will come back into this game as Canipple will get a breather burner. PJ Hall made immediate impact early. I mean, he changed his game. It was 3332 with Charlotte leading in the second quarter. I’d say so. That that was short off the fingertips. Like, no lift. The flick of the wrist wasn’t there. This is that challenge you’re talking about when you’ve got a lopsided game like this. How do you re-engage? How do you lock yourself back into this game to not give away possessions like that? fight complacency, right? Like, hey, we got this. We’re gonna win this game. We’re we’re gonna be undefeated. Yeah, you might be undefeated, but are you going to and and I think that’s the challenge of the staff, right? Like, you’re over there and you’re telling your guys, hey, it’s not good enough just to win. They all know the point differential before they took the court today. They all know what they have to do in order to try to win a championship here. And clearly, the Hornets are going after it with Khan Canipple out on the floor and playing the minutes that he’s played. They’re trying to play their way in and they’ve executed up to this stage. Jones Garcia with another offensive rebound and a putback. That’s his second offensive rebound and put back on on the afternoon. He’s got 12. Hornets trying to leak out, but see that’s a backto-back empty possessions. We got a couple guys miked up. Let’s take a listen to the best of sound. Let’s get over the front of the rim. He’s got a good chance. Oh boy. Mike Dub, you got hot, mate. Yeah, I don’t have the ball. Who’s here? Who’s here? [Music] By yourself. By yourself. By yourself. Hey, Sims. Go deep, buddy. Good. We got to step it up. Just keep going. On defense. On defense. On defense. Good shot. Defense. Defense. Defense. Here. Harrison Ingram sitting there going defense. Defense. Defense. Good reason because everything has been offense. Offense. offense for the Hornets. Our thanks to Harrison Ingram and Coniple both wearing the mics for us today. I always love to hear how guys let other people know that they’re wearing the mic. And you heard Kenipple was being asked by a guy from the Spurs. He’s like, “You wearing a mic?” He’s like, “Yeah.” And his teammates, he’s like, “Mike, Mike, Mike mike. I’m wearing the mic.” Guys, the the Hornets taking a timeout here because they’ve had about three or four really poor offensive possessions that have led to turnovers and have had empty possessions for them. Settle it back down. Understanding point differential matters if you want a chance at a ring. [Music] been here with the Hornets and just training with the Hornets the whole offseason. Just trying to get better in all aspects of the game. We’re playing, still being a leader, just trying to help everybody and taking it day by day. [Music] That’s supposed to be a three. How about step back? [Music] WNBA All-Star weekend begins tomorrow night at Gamebridge Fieldhouse in Indiana with a three-point contest and skills challenge. That’s at 8 Eastern, 5 Pacific on ESPN. And then Saturday night, 21st annual All-Star game is on ABC at 8:30 Eastern, 5:30 Pacific. Coverage Sticks with Countdown at 8 Eastern, 5 Pacific. It should be another great Allstar weekend. All right, let’s see the intensity that the Hornets come out with after calling that timeout. Last three empty possession. Shot clock is winding down. It’s at two. Ball has to force this one. Really good defense by the Spurs. They’re starting to tighten it up. That’s four consecutive stops. With the two hand finish, four consecutive stops for the Spurs. And you’re looking to string things together. A 71 run for the Spurs. That’s what the Hornets called that last time out. Trying to get their guys locked back in. Setting the feet, knocking down the three is DJ Rodman. Finished his career at USC after a couple years at Washington State. Nelson Jr. left alone. [Music] Did it hurt you to say USC? No. No. First school to recruit me. No bad love between USC. Don beautiful release in the corner. You know that’s Bobby Marks talked about it. He’s 48% in college in those corner threes. Excellent job getting his feet set there. Mr. UCLA. You beat him almost every single time you play and it doesn’t matter. Seven and one. Wow. You’re basically saying it’s not even a rivalry. Seven and one in four years. [Music] Here’s our guy PJ Hall setting the screen. [Music] Love how PJ Hall has become our guy in this game when he provides highlights. Yes, he is our guy. Our guy just got a rebound and threw it off of Carter Bryant out of bounds. Carter Bryant though with an excellent play out in transition. A little crossover elite level athleticism, his length and ability to finish over the top. And then Coniple doing what he does best. Get your feet set in the corner. Catch and release with confidence. Sneaking free. gets the bucket and the foul. DJ Rodman and the largest lead of the game now for the Hornets. There’s a screen on the weak side. Kadipple barely gets a piece of him, but just vacates the spot and Jones Garcia was playing on the wrong side. You got to drop below the level of your guy and stay between the ball and your man. 21. Now, I’m used to seeing guys with painted nails in baseball when you see the catchers splash down the fingers and things, but Jared McCain does it in basketball. Jared McCain does it. Yeah. Yeah. Perfect. The whole Tik Tok thing. I wish guys would just go back to signals. We got pitch cal issues all the time in baseball. All the time. I wish they would just flash down the sign, save everybody time. But they get they get the colors to match the jersey. It’s important. Bang trash cans. We talking sign stealing now. BJ Hall with another rebound. And this this game we came on air and we thought this was going to be a highlevel game. Very competitive all the way through. It was for about a quarter and a half and ever since then Charlotte has absolutely dominated really that midpoint of that second quarter. You’re the Thunder. By the way, you’re the Thunder. You’re like, wait, we might not we might not be the the number one seed at all. Like this is now coming in that window. We talked about it as far as the point differential where it has to be. And just realize the Thunder could be the first team to win the NBA championship and the summer league title in the same year. That’s fine. But 34 points is definitely in the realm of possibility. That doesn’t impress you. That’s not impressive. It does. It impresses me. Everything that OKC has done this year is impressive. Everything they’ve done over the last couple of years has been impressive. I think there’s a lot of people in Charlotte hoping that the health of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller and then the addition of Khan Canipple that they’re on their way of building a young core of stars that can really help impact winning. Here is Canipple in the corner finding PJ Hall with a rip through Sky Hook. He should have dumped it. Yeah, but he behind the back pass from Canib and Hall pays it off at the rim and then the turnover. The Spur The Spurs have just lacked a lot of effort here today. I just the frustration is overwhelming and you have to credit the Hornets for their activity and how they’ve done it. PJ Paul, the Spurs need a timeout and a lot more than that. I mean, the Hornets are getting anything and everything they they want. If Oprah Winfrey was here calling the game, she’d be like, “You get a bucket and you get a bucket.” Everybody’s getting buckets, especially PJ Hall in the last couple of possessions. The Hornets absolutely rolling the Spurs 8148. [Music] My boy the queen turn this way. Derek the queen my boy bro. Congrats. Congrats. [Music] All right. So, here’s what Charlotte needs to do to pass the teams right now who are currently holding down the four playoff spots. OKC is in first place right now and locked in. They are going to make the playoffs no matter what happens. But if Charlotte scores 34 points, they will take over the top seed. And when we came on the air, we were not sure that that was even something that could be possible. Now, here we are in 33 quarter and PJ Hall has done a great effort in order to make sure the Hornets can lock down that one seed in the playoffs. We talked about it. It was a one-point game. PJ Hall checks in, starts doing stuff like this and you’re like, “Oh, something’s different.” And that hammer time comes into play and everybody gets ignited and then once again, little bit of a run. 7-1 run by the Spurs. PJ Hall comes in. good things start to happen. He’s at the free throw line with an N1 opportunity. He’s got nine points, five rebounds, three blocks a little bit. Anytime there’s contact to the head, you’re going to want to take a look and make sure that PJ Hall is okay. A rip through and just he caught the left elbow right on the jaw. Good to see PJ Hall up walking to the bench and officials going to go take a look at that. Carter was trying to rip through And when he ripped through, it was that left elbow that made the contact. The officials on the call for this game. It is Gina Katanzeretti, Ashley Gloss, and Paulina Gaidosh going to the monitor to take another look if this thing will be escalated from a common foul on Carter Bryant. What do you think? Is this a basketball move or could this be escalated to a flagrant? I I don’t think that the intention was there for Carter to initiate the contact. I do believe that Carter Bryant was going up for his shot and wanted to rip through to get to that point. However, the contact was very severe and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did choose to upgrade it in this moment. Really, the only thing that has slowed down PJ Hall so far here today, a shot to the jaw. Again, I I tough. I mean, PJ Hall super tough offensive foul already been called on the floor. Main thing for me is getting to see PJ Hall up because this is a shot right there and you see it and look on his eyes. I mean, he went down immediately. He composed himself and what he did actually was really impressive for PJ Hall is he protected himself as he went to the floor so his head didn’t smack against the wood. He got his elbows underneath him that helped brace his fall. [Music] Another look here as Bryant with that left elbow and that’s not a glancing blow. I mean that is a shot as the officials after review. The offensive player makes a basketball move and the contact is not deemed unnecessary. Therefore, the call on the floor is an offensive foul is confirmed. It was a basketball move. There’s no intent whatsoever. And Carter Bryant went up to PJ Hall afterwards and and just did it again. You know, I mean, he he didn’t mean to do that. He’s trying to gather to get to his shot. But Jaho, that one hurt. I’m looking at his mouth somewhere. He goes, I got cracked. At least his teeth are still in his mouth. [Music] Spurs trying to make something happen with just over a minute to play here in this third quarter. That score is correct. Both these teams undefeated, but it is Charlotte putting the clamps on here. Carter knocks down a deep one. Carter Bryant has been the bright spot offensively today. His level of aggressiveness from the very start of this game. He is four of six from deep. He’s up to 16 points now. Start to wonder with his deficit, too. When do they shut Carter Bryant down in this game? It wouldn’t surprise me if Carter Bryant didn’t play the fourth quarter. Well, they shut down Dylan Harper. He did not play this game. The number two overall pick for the Spurs. [Music] Under 30 seconds to play here in this third quarter. Step back, elbow jumper in and out. And the shot clock turned off. Play for one here. No need to go fast. Understand this game is well in control. Time and score. Rodman sneaking free and PJ. Oh, the tip in 1.5 to play. Bryant off the mark. That’s how we end this third quarter. All about PJ Hall here as far as impacting the game. Some toughness getting on the offensive glass. 1.5 left on the clock. He’s always put himself in good position. The Hornets are in really good position. [Music] The San Antonio Spurs select Tim Duncan from Wake Forest University. What a play. [Applause] [Music] I really cannot recall a rookie having this type of repertoire in the local. [Applause] Look at that spin move baseline. Wow. The outside shot, but you can’t see the pick and roll because Duncan, the whole sequence is why this guy is your rookie of the year. The 199798 rookie of the year award goes to number 21 Tim. [Music] Welcome back to summer league in Las Vegas. We’re courtside now with Khan Canipple. You guys scored 21 unanswered points. What’s been clicking so well for this Hornets team today? Yeah, I mean, I just think we’ve been sharing the ball very well. Um, and that’s really been the key for us. What have you liked about your individual performance? Um, well, I was passing the ball uh and taking care of it until this last quarter. I turned it over three times, but um I think I’m going to get some some good basketball plays. Thanks. Thank you, guys. Back to you. To K’s point, uh 73% assist to field goal made for the Hornets today. That is an astounding number of sharing the basketball. Everybody’s getting involved. If you’re just joining us, a pair of unbeaten teams. It’s the Hornets and the Spurs. If they want to make the playoffs, you got to win this game to be one of the four teams to make the playoffs. That will start on Saturday. And the Hornets right now, if they win by 21 or more, they will clinch a birth in the semifinals. If they win by at least seven, they will have a chance. And that means Atlanta will be eliminated from contention. So that’s why even with this lopsided score, there’s still a lot on the line for Charlotte to prove here in this fourth quarter. Offensive rebound Spurs. How about the English to get that one to go for Riley Min. Oh, white cow. And a hard fall by KJ Simpson. And they’re going to check on him. Carter Bryant, by the way, starts the this final quarter on the bench with 16 points. I’m not I’m not sure we’re going to see him again in this game. Come and talk. We’re five. We talk about plus minus for players. What’s the plus minus to playing him more minutes in this game? But I think from your standpoint, what you wanted to see from him, you said you wanted to see him be aggressive. You wanted to see him shoot. You wanted to see him get his guys involved. How would you evaluate the three quarters we did see his his best game individually, right? Look, but he said when he talked to Vanessa, he said, “I don’t care if I have 30. I want to win.” Obviously, that’s a long shot at this point in time. Think the wheels would really have to fall off the wagon here, but individually, you saw a level of aggressiveness of him finding his shot and and getting to his spot and feeling comfortable and confident with it. Well, it tells you how much this game means for Charlotte, even with this big lead that Khan Canipple is still on the floor here in this fourth quarter. You’re looking at that point differential. You you could be the number one overall seed and this place Oklahoma City obviously with some other games still to go and you don’t know what’s going to happen in those games as far as point differential, but you at least want to secure one of those two guaranteed spots. Jones Garcia on the back pass. He’ll find the Spurs not going away. [Applause] An eight nothing run by San Antonio as Dennis gets his hand in there and that’s going to be a tie up. A jump ball. So, we’re seeing some life out of San Antonio to start this fourth quarter. Remember, every possession there’s somebody watching. every play like how do you handle it when things haven’t gone your way? A lot of things have not gone the way the Spurs. Spurs have had a great summer and this has been a nightmare of a game for them, right? But how do you how do you play? How do you compete when you’re down by this margin? Are are you trying to make the right plays? Are you being putting yourself in the right position defensively? Walker Jr. off the tip. Knocks down the three. [Music] We’ve seen this before. Jones Garcia finding Ingram for another three ball. Jones Garcia with four assists now. [Music] Ingram with nine points here in this fourth quarter. Backside rebound. Spurs looking to push. And Salone lays it in. Good push. Good run by the Spurs who started off pretty hot here in the fourth quarter. Credit to this group. Harrison Ingram kind of spearheading that that effort right now at both ends. Sneaky on that baseline. Simpson Jr. got some stuff to his game. He He does an excellent job reading the weight and where you’re going, trying to get you to lean. And if if you lean too much, he’s going to exploit you. Oh, spin move behind the back. Oifo couldn’t finish it. Ingram waits for the fly by, sets his feet. That is three threes in a row for Ingram. on the other end left alone the answer. I mean just poor defensive transition that time. Walker was by himself. They just inbound the ball up over the top and catch and shoot. [Music] San Antonio Spurs offense has gotten stagnant. You had a no look pass. Looked like it was going to be good. And what it leads to though is a Harrison Ingram three. We’ve seen three of them already here to start the fourth quarter. Four threes in this fourth quarter. He is five of 10 from deep. 17 points. Jones Garcia getting by his man but missing out the rim. Garlic can afford to work the shot clock a little bit here. A substantial lead. looking to try to secure one of those four playoff spots. You want to take good shots, but make sure you execute, get good ball movement, keep to the effort in which you’ve shown in the first three quarters. Caniple showing the soft touch on the turnaround. Jay, he had that in the spot of three in the corner and then he does it in the mid-range game. The versatility in which Canipple can bring. He’s got 19. With the lookoff, finds Oo, but he’ll be fouled. Late in the game, a big lead. The Hornets focused on having an opportunity to maybe get a ring here in Las Vegas. Coniple, the fourth pick overall. Playing like it here in Vegas. NBA 2K26 Summer League is proudly sponsored by NBA 2K26, rated E for everyone. millennia. [Music] This copyrighted broadcast of the National Basketball Association may not be retransmitted, reproduced, rebroadcast, or otherwise distributed or used in any form without the express written consent of the NBA. Have a surro feeling to be here and I know it’s coming up. So, I’m just trying to enjoy it, you know, go through it with my family and friends and just have a good time. Once you get up to the very top and kind of get outside, you feel the wind. It’s definitely a little scary. Never really seen a city like this. I’m not really a big city kid. This definitely gave me a detour. [Music] Time Square, New York City. Definitely surreal. I mean, I excited. That’s probably two best words to describe it. just be in New York. No one wants to come in the next few days. All my family able to come. Most of my family just close people that seen me grow up come support me is honestly a blessing. I’m from the Bahamas went to Baylor and I’m here at being 1,100 ft up in the air in New York. It’s pretty crazy. It’s a great view. Great view of the city. It’s eyes. A reminder what’s on the line here tonight in this game against the Hornets and the Spurs. Now, the Hornets, they need to win by these margins on the left in order to pass the teams who are ready in the top four spots to make the playoffs. If they win by 21 or more, they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. And then it would just be seating for the Charlotte Hornets. Coniple takes a seat. might be the last time we see him in this game. Taio Bo on 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, his fourth overall pick, a really strong performance. What stands out the most about his game? Awareness, but I mean he just he plays under complete control. Does he ever look like he’s uncomfortable or sped up? I think that turn around Jay when he was banging on coach, that was the smoothest move of the game for him. He he just doesn’t get rattled, you know, like he knows exactly where he is on the floor, exactly what he should do. And you heard him talk to Vanessa and he was very critical of himself with the three turnovers that he had in the third quarter. Like doesn’t have to be, you know, it’s not always going to be perfect, but you know, they’re putting him in situations where he has to make plays and he set the tone and the demeanor for how the Hornets were going to play today. I feel like you set the tone for the day coming back from half the first game, hopping over the seats, making sure you got back on time. I love the effort, Sean Farnum. You really did set the tone crusher. I’m the PJ Hall of this broadcast. That was a PJ Hall like effort. I will give it to you. I’m just glad you didn’t wipe out cuz I would have needed a partner for game two. We could have called Cory. He’s in town. He’ll be here next. Chelsea gets an extra check for the game. My man showing up. He’ll be here early. [Music] Just over five and a half to play here in this fourth quarter. The Charlotte Hornets ran away with this one midway through the second quarter. Pulled away. Carter Bryant back on the floor. That surprises me a little bit. All right. So, this is what happened. Coming back from the break, Sean Fornum realized we had five, four, three, and I’m trying to slow down my read to make sure you can get back on time. And when I saw you hop over the chairs, I said, “Sean Farnum, let him know.” The funny thing is you’re slowing down the read. Thank God, cuz I was trying to slow down my breath. Hello, they’re talking Mike Brownie. Oh, it’s great to see you. uh talk about the Knicks and the Pacers and all of a sudden you know you the horn goes and I go I think I got to be I got to get back over there. He goes I think you got to go work. Here’s the thing you realize. And I saw you with the headset on, camera out in front, lights on in front of us and I’m going oh this isn’t going to be good. We know the traditional timing in summer league. Everything’s sped up a little bit, right? The halftime just gets a little quicker. They just kind of move things along. They keep the fans engaged and everything and you realize, oh wait a minute, I got to be back on the broadcast. I was like entertainment value for everybody in attendance. I was the quintessential red panda of the summer league here with that. Hopefully red panda is good. I hope she’s okay. One of the best acts in all of sports. Three ball falls. Damen ball his fourth three of the ball game and he’s got 16. Remember 21 is the number right? You see it at the bottom of your screen. 21 clinches spot and that’s the important number to watch down the stretch here. The Hornets are going to win this game. The question becomes what is the margin in which they’re going to win this game. That’s why you see the the Hornets still sneaking out on the breakout. No need to force that one though, right? Like you be aggressive, but you got to make sure you’re completing it. Punched out and it’s Dennis with the offensive rebound. Jones Garcia, he’s calling for it. They want him to. And he leaves that one short. Got six Hornets in double figures. A complete team effort trying to clinch their spot in the playoffs here in Vegas. [Music] And another three, this time knocked down by Walker. his fourth of the game and he’s got 13 points. Inger has been locking down that spot all ball game and on the loose ball a foul is called on PJ Hall. You know, we talked about Carter Bryant. I was surprised to see him back out on the floor. He came back out on the floor and watched Carter Bryant try to kind of come through the screen and he left the game and not only left the game, but he left the court and a little bit banged up and he he the last thing you want to see if you’re a Spurs fan. A hockey line change for the Spurs. And if you’re the Hornets, just settle it down, execute, try to get a shot up every time. It doesn’t matter if you make the shot. What you want to do is you want to execute. You don’t have any empty possessions as far as not even getting a shot up. And that is what like we’re throwing the ball into the second row of the stands. Like you got a 29point lead. You need 21 points to advance and make sure you get there. Good chance to do it, but value the basketball. Tim Carter into the game for the first time. Doesn’t waste any time. And look at that. Silky smooth off the bench here in the fourth. Why is he going to waste time? This is his opportunity to shine. He hasn’t had an opportunity to play today and he he doesn’t care what the score is. I promise you that. He’s going to come out here and he’s going to try to get buckets. Under three minutes to play here in this ball game since with the crossover PJ Hall. He’s done everything. Can he hit a three? That would have been a complete game effort. The Hornets look like they’re going to finally slow things down. Who’s still trying to attack the rim? You’re throwing lobs, you’re throwing turnovers. [Music] Mangis also off the bench. They’re giving giving life to that 21 points, right? Like and that’s the timeout comes a little bit here cuz you need those 21 points and things are getting tight. Coming up next, we got the Celtics. Celtics and the Lakers and then the Nuggets and the Clippers capping off the night on ESPN 2. [Music] Allar weekend is here. We’re going to put the bay on full display for the world to see. And today is a great start to the entire weekend. There’s a lot of history and tradition and legacy here in Oakland. And so this city was good to us and got us to the point where where we are now and we just want to we just want to give back and do the same thing. Feel me? And then we come to stuff like this and it just changes their whole life. You know, we motivated like that. You know what I’m saying? really a dream come true to be able to celebrate Allstar weekend here in East Oakland and everything is uh about being a village for these kids and the next generation and hopefully achieve their full potential. You know, it takes you back on how you would feel if you were in their shoes and anytime you have the opportunity to impact someone else’s life, it does far more for you impacting your own life. For me, Allstar Weekend is about things like this and just another opportunity for me to, you know, help um the staff that’s here that’s already preparing to help those families. It’s in my heart to give back and it feels like I’m doing my job. It’s the part about our sport that I love the most is that the impact that we can have off the court. The community does so much to support us, our athletes, and anything that we can do to give back and turn around that support and uplift our communities. It means the world to me. [Music] Don’t forget coming up next, we got the Celtics taking on the Lakers with the Nuggets and the Clippers capping off the night at 11 11 Eastern, 8 Pacific on ESPN 2. There are the guys in the tunnel getting loose, warming up for the Lakers. And look who’s coming back onto the floor. Carter Bryant. A good sign for the Spurs coming back out from the locker room. Yeah, back on the bench. That’s a good sign for everybody in the Spurs organization. Nelson Jr. leading the break, spotting up for the three. Carter off the mark. Dio trying to keep it alive. Gets the offensive rebound. Realizes he’s under the rim. First put back no good. Hall and his fourth block of the ball game. Key right now is 21 points. And there’s no doubt I think that that the Hornets coaching staff understands that. That’s why they called that last time out. You had a couple of turnovers in a row and empty possessions have put that in jeopardy as far as securing your spot. The turnaround hook off the mark. You got under two minutes to secure a spot in the playoffs if you’re the Hornets. 2-point lead. Need to stay above 21. Long free throw jumper. That’ll help the Hornets. 26-point lead. Realistically, you’re looking at a basically two stops. Can you get two more stops here? And that’s going to be an offensive foul called on Dio on the screen. And if you’re Charlotte, you know, you got this lead. Are you trying to eat clock or you still trying to push it? I think I think you’re you’re you’re eating clock right now. I mean, you’ve got the points that you need and you want to make sure that you you don’t have any turnovers. You work to the last third of the shot clock. shouldn’t be going with anything more than 8 seconds on the shot clock. That shot by Sims is blocked, but he is fouled. Going a little bit early there, but you get to the foul and get yourself to the free throw line, maybe extend out this lead a little bit more. And what a performance. I mean, what what can you say about the Hornets and the focus that they have brought to the floor defensively, offensively? Great job by this coaching staff having this team ready and understanding the assignment, right? Do you understand what you need to do and what you’re being called upon and to not have one single player essentially deviate from that, John, the entire game? You see great balance. You mentioned how many guys are in double figures. You see great balance. You see great synergy. They have shared the ball extremely well. Talked about it. Six players in double figures for the Hornets. We were talking earlier about the buzz. You can kind of feel there’s a buzz building in the arena. Sometimes things are starting to happen. Well, there’s a buzz starting to build here in Thomas and Mack because the Lakers will take the floor next. And a lot of Lakers fans starting to make their way here inside the arena. Carter with the off hand goes window. As impressive as it’s been for the Hornets with the number of guys in double figures, maybe more impressive. Four guys have five or more assists. Four different players. They’re sitting on a 25point lead. Magic numbers 21. Now they’re up to 27 point lead. They’ll be fine. Carter, he has been an instant bucket since coming off the bench. just dribble it out. Rodman worked late in the shot clock again. 21 points. Know what you need. PJ Hall wide open just passing the ball. They didn’t. Last thing you need is a turnover there. [Applause] [Music] And there is the turnover. [Music] That was the turnover that I said they needed to avoid. They just dribble the ball out of bounds. Tipped away. Shot clock turned off. Charlotte, they can dribble this one out [Music] and instead going up for a shot is KJ Simpson. I guess they’re still trying to It’s 21. Had that score because point differential does matter. Well, 21 locks them in though as one of the spots. However, you could maybe improve your seating by extending that out more. They get greedy. It’s okay to be greedy sometimes in Las Vegas. When you’re hot, you’re on a run. Keep going for it. Except for you got to make the free throws if you’re going to do that. Are you that guy who on the blackjack table when you’re on a run, you’re hot, you’re like, “Okay, I’m good. Thank you.” No, you’re still going with it. Yes. My brother-in-law very much so is that guy. And it drives me nuts. Final seconds, the half court heat off the mark and the Charlotte Hornets have officially clinched their spot in the playoffs here in this Vegas Summer League. Now, it is still going to be a question of where they’ll be seated, but we do know Oklahoma City and Charlotte have both clinched their spot. They’re one of the four teams, though. And they you come in today and you know you not only have to win but you have to win by a significant margin. The efficiency in what you saw at the offensive end. 52% field goal percentage, 42% from beyond the arc. And then defensively, how they took a team that was top six field goal percentage offense, number one three-point field goal percentage team offensively, and just absolutely shut them down and held them so significantly below their numbers. gave him a great opportunity to be successful. KJ Simpson had 19 points to lead the way for the Hornets. He’s standing by now with Vanessa. Yeah, we’re joined now by KJ Simpson. KJ, you guys needed to win by 21 points or more to secure a playoff spot. How much did that motivate you coming into tonight’s game? Uh motivated us a lot. We understood what was at stake. You know, uh somehow all these teams, you know, in summer league again been undefeated. So, we knew how important this game was coming in and to win convincingly. So, we just came in with the mentality uh with a couple guys short and just going and playing our hardest. Six Hornets players in double figures. What did you like about the way this was a team win with a really balanced scoring sheet? I was about to say that. I mean, anybody could have been right here interviewing, you know, whether it was Khan, I mean, he was playing huge for us. PJ, Damen, you know, guys just came in. Ryan, everybody came in and contributed in a big way. And when you have a team that, you know, has that much firepower firepower and then on defense competes the way we do, it’s it’s going to be hard to beat us. So, it was just a good team win. 4-0 at summer league. How have you guys really been able to build that team chemistry? Honestly, just uh I think what helped us, we came out here a little earlier just to uh you know, build a little bit of chemistry, bond together, practice together, and uh the more we got better and competed against each other, we was ready to compete against everyone else. So, it just helped us into the summer league. Thanks. Appreciate you. Thank you, guys. Back to you. All right, Vanessa. Good stuff. That buzz. You heard the roar from the crowd. The Lakers are now on the floor. They are warming up. They will take the floor next against the Celtics. But let’s finish up with the Hornets. Cory Alexander as he walked in the arena. My bad. I’m sorry. I was so confused. Uh the Hornets with a dominant performance. They’re out in the playoffs. Can they take this whole thing? They can. But I I think that the biggest thing for me is you’re looking at backto-back games now where Khan Canipple has been able to beat Coniple. Like the player that you thought he was going to be when you drafted him. uh efficient a playmaker.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS CHARLOTTE HORNETS LIVE 🏀 NBA SUMMER LEAGUE 2K26 🏆 JUL 17, 2025
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