The Charlotte Hornets are riding high-and they’re doing it their way.
Fresh off a seven-game win streak, Charlotte made a bold move at the trade deadline, acquiring Coby White from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Collin Sexton. It was a savvy addition that didn’t just make basketball sense-it kept the momentum rolling.
And that momentum carried right into Houston, where the Hornets handled business with a 109-99 win over Kevin Durant and the Rockets. That’s eight straight wins now-the franchise’s longest streak since 1999.
This team isn’t just winning-they’re evolving.
A big part of that evolution? LaMelo Ball.
There was plenty of chatter leading up to the trade deadline about whether Charlotte should consider moving their franchise point guard. But the Hornets held firm, and it’s clear now that they made the right call.
Ball has been the engine behind this recent surge. Since the calendar flipped to the new year, he’s scored in double figures in all but one game, and his absence on the floor is glaring when he’s not out there.
According to reporting from Chris Haynes, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a serious push to land Ball before the deadline. But Charlotte didn’t flinch.
Why? Because LaMelo isn’t just playing great basketball-he’s bought in.
You can see it in his chemistry with head coach Charles Lee. The two have developed a strong connection, and that trust is translating into results on the court.
Ball is now anchoring a starting five that’s 14-1 when fully intact-featuring himself, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate. That group has found a rhythm, and it’s playing with a level of cohesion that’s hard to miss. They’re defending, they’re sharing the ball, and they’re playing with purpose.
And people around the league are noticing. After the win in Houston, Josh Green made a point to praise the Hornets for how they’re going about their business.
This isn’t a team trying to shortcut its way to relevance. They’re building something sustainable, and they’re doing it with a mix of young talent, smart coaching, and a clear identity.
The Hornets have turned a corner. The vibes are up, the wins are stacking, and for the first time in a long time, Charlotte looks like a team that’s not just playing for today-they’re building for something bigger.