The 2026 NBA Summer League served up a tightly contested battle as the New Orleans Pelicans edged out the Charlotte Hornets 95–91 in an early-morning showcase on July 12. Played at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, the game showcased the next generation of NBA talent, with both teams trading leads deep into the fourth quarter. The Pelicans’ composed finish and clutch free-throw shooting proved to be the difference in a game that swung on several momentum-changing plays.

Game Overview

From the opening tip, both sides showed a strong commitment to fast-paced offense and aggressive defense—a hallmark of Summer League action. The Hornets jumped out to an early lead behind sharp perimeter shooting, but the Pelicans responded with a balanced attack and superior rebounding. By halftime, New Orleans held a slim 48–44 advantage, largely thanks to second-chance points and transition buckets.

The second half mirrored the first: Charlotte clawed back, tying the game at 77 with just under six minutes remaining. However, the Pelicans’ poise down the stretch, including a crucial 6–0 run late in the fourth, sealed the victory. Missed opportunities at the free-throw line hurt Charlotte, who shot just 68% from the stripe compared to New Orleans’ 84%.

Key Moments

• First-quarter surge: Hornets rookie guard Jaylen Phillips knocked down three triples in the opening period, giving Charlotte a 28–21 lead.
• Pelicans fight back: A 12–2 run in the second quarter, fueled by forward Terrence Jacobs’ inside scoring, erased the deficit and gave New Orleans control.
• Crunch-time defense: With the score 89–88 and under two minutes left, Pelicans second-year wing Marcus Reed forced a critical turnover, leading to a fast-break dunk that extended the lead to three.
• Free-throw clinic: New Orleans made 8 of 8 free throws in the final 90 seconds, while Charlotte missed three of their last five attempts.

Standout Players

New Orleans Pelicans
Terrence Jacobs, a 2025 second-round pick, led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. He was a force in the paint and showed improved mid-range touch. Guard Marcus Reed contributed 17 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, demonstrating excellent court vision and defensive instincts.

Charlotte Hornets
Rookie guard Jaylen Phillips (2026 first-round pick) finished with 20 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, proving his shooting ability (4-of-7 from three). However, he struggled with foul trouble in the second half. Big man Evan Torres, a Summer League veteran, posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, but his free-throw struggles (2-of-6) were costly.

Tactical Story

Charlotte’s game plan revolved around spacing and three-point volume—they attempted 38 triples to New Orleans’ 24. While that created early leads, the Hornets’ inconsistent outside shooting in the second half (shooting just 28% from deep after halftime) allowed the Pelicans to pack the paint and force tough drives.

New Orleans, conversely, emphasized high-percentage looks. They scored 46 points in the paint versus Charlotte’s 34, and their ability to draw fouls resulted in 28 free-throw attempts (making 24). The Pelicans also dominated the offensive glass with 13 offensive rebounds, generating 17 second-chance points.

Summer League Context and Season Impact

This game was part of the demanding early slate in the NBA Summer League, where young players aim to earn roster spots or rotation minutes. For the Pelicans, the win improved their tournament record to 2–1, keeping their hopes alive for a playoff berth in the summer bracket. Charlotte fell to 1–2, but their young core—led by Phillips and Torres—showed promise, especially in their fluid ball movement (21 assists).

Scouts in attendance noted the improved defense of Pelicans guard Marcus Reed, whose summer performances could earn him a two-way contract. Meanwhile, Hornets fans will take solace in Jaylen Phillips’ aggressive scoring mentality, even if his decision-making in high-pressure moments remains a work in progress.

Final Thoughts

Though only a Summer League contest, the 95–91 outcome underscored the razor-thin margins in professional basketball. The Pelicans’ veterans-in-training executed the fundamentals—free throws, rebounding, and avoiding turnovers—while the Hornets’ youth sometimes betrayed them. As both teams continue through the Las Vegas schedule, the lessons from this early-morning battle will serve as valuable film study.