Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates a three-point basket. Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
The Charlotte Hornets made it to the postseason, though the team must now win two games in a row to secure a spot in the 16-team NBA playoffs.
Why it matters: It's been a decade since the team reached the playoffs, and while the Hornets have the potential to make a run, the team didn't make it easy on itself.
Zoom in: Charlotte began the season 16-28, but managed to turn that rocky start into a respectable 44-38 finish.
Last year's No. 4 pick, Kon Knueppel, was key to that turnaround. The former Duke player is a talented shooter and a contender for Rookie of the Year.
And as ESPN notes, LaMelo Ball is having his best pro season yet, with over 7 assists and 20 points per game.
Fun fact: Knueppel and Ball led the league in three pointers made this season, at 273 and 272, respectively.
Driving the news: The Hornets are the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference's play-in tournament.
Up first is a home match-up with the Miami Heat at 7:30pm tomorrow.
If Charlotte wins, the team goes on the road Friday. They would play the loser of Wednesday night's game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.
What's next: If the Hornets pull off both victories this week, they would face the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.
