How the Charlotte Hornets became the unlikely darling of the NBA
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Hornets Brandon Miller dunks and scores against the Boston Celtics. Photo: Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
After years of mediocrity and missing the playoffs, the Charlotte Hornets are arguably the hottest team in the NBA.
Why it matters: The team has often been an afterthought in the national basketball conversation — but now, everyone is talking about the Hornets. They aren't just winning, they're smacking their opponents around.
Case in point: On Wednesday night, the Hornets beat the Celtics, the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference, 118-89 in Boston, marking Charlotte's 10th straight road win.
Flashback: The original Hornets began playing in Charlotte in 1988 — it was the city's first major league team. People wore tuxedos and evening gowns to games. They even gave the Hornets a standing ovation after the first game, despite how badly they lost.
- Charlotte's NBA team hasn't given its fans much to hope for in recent years, but the tide is finally turning.
By the numbers: These days, the Hornets have become a force on both offense and defense. They've kept their opponents to 93 points or less over their last three games.
- The Hornets are on a six-game winning streak. The last time a team won six straight games by at least 15 points was the 2017-2018 Golden State Warriors.
Context: The Hornets' season started much like recent seasons — with a poor record. In November, they were 4-14. Now they are 32-31, and 21 of their wins have come since the calendar turned.
The big picture: Now ninth in the Eastern Conference with 19 regular-season games left, the Hornets have a real shot at making the playoffs.
- Winning feels like the expectation here. It's been a while since Charlotte could say that and prove it.
What they're saying: "This is the hottest team in the NBA. They're selling out the arena again," Tom Haberstroh, a Yahoo Sports NBA Insider, said on a podcast this week, adding that people are "driving in from hours away to catch the spirit" of the team.
What we're watching: Having a healthy Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball has been huge for the Hornets, whether that means Miller is dunking on opponents or Ball is hitting threes.
- Rookie Kon Knueppel, who recently broke the record for the most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a season, has been key to the Hornets' success this season. He's a contender for rookie of the year.
- Plus, they brought in North Carolina native and former North Carolina Tar Heels star Coby White.
Between the lines: The team has even attracted star attention, from celebrities to professional athletes sitting courtside.
Zoom out: The Hornets recently completed a massive renovation on Spectrum Center and are in the process of building a standalone practice facility across the street.
Go deeper: Fresh renderings: Hornets practice facility will be called Novant Health Performance Center
What's next: The Hornets host the Miami Heat Friday, March 6, at 7pm. Tickets start at $54.76.
The bottom line: NBA basketball is fun in Charlotte again.