The Hornets Are No Longer Just a Play-In Team - They're Playing Like a Problem
For the better part of the season, the Charlotte Hornets have been quietly building something. But after Wednesday night’s 112-97 win over the Memphis Grizzlies - their fourth straight - it’s time to stop whispering.
The Hornets aren’t just flirting with the Play-In anymore. They’re playing like a legitimate playoff team.
And yes, even Charles Barkley is buying in.
That win in Memphis didn’t just extend their longest win streak in two years - it also pushed them past last season’s win total. With 34 games still left on the calendar, Charlotte already has 20 victories in the bank.
But this isn’t just about quantity. It’s about how they’re winning - and who they’re beating.
Let’s talk about the road dominance. Because what the Hornets are doing away from home in January is nothing short of historic.
Six road wins by 15 points or more in a single month? That ties them with the 2001-02 Lakers and the 2011-12 Heat - both championship teams - for the most such victories in NBA history.
Here’s the rundown:
- +27 at Oklahoma City
- +55 at Utah
- +18 at the Lakers
- +23 at Denver
- +27 at Orlando
- +15 at Memphis
Those aren’t just wins - those are beatdowns. And they’re coming in hostile environments, against teams that don’t just roll over.
That kind of road consistency isn’t accidental. It’s a sign of a team that’s found its rhythm, its identity, and most importantly, its edge.
A big part of that edge? Moussa Diabate.
The young center’s emergence has been a game-changer. Against Memphis, he posted 18 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, anchoring the paint with the kind of physicality and energy that Charlotte has lacked in recent years.
He even hit his first three of the season - and followed it up with a steal and a coast-to-coast dunk. That sequence wasn’t just a highlight; it was a momentum shift.
He’s bringing a toughness that’s contagious.
But this isn’t a one-man show. Brandon Miller continues to impress with efficient scoring, LaMelo Ball is managing the tempo like a seasoned vet, and the team’s defense has tightened up when it matters most. There’s a cohesion here - a sense that everyone knows their role and is leaning into it.
Charlotte’s bench has stepped up, too. Whether it’s timely shooting, hustle plays, or defensive stops, the second unit is holding its own and then some. That depth has allowed the Hornets to stay aggressive for 48 minutes - and it’s a big reason they’re turning close games into blowouts.
What we’re seeing now is a team that’s not just playing better - they’re playing with purpose. They’re not sneaking up on anyone anymore. They’re walking into your building and dictating the terms.
If this stretch is any indication, the Hornets aren’t just in the mix for a postseason spot. They’re positioning themselves to make noise when they get there.
Teams that dominate on the road like this - with balance, toughness, and confidence - don’t just fade when the lights get brighter. They rise to the moment.
Charlotte’s not just chasing the playoffs. They’re starting to look like a team nobody wants to face once they get there.