The Charlotte Hornets are turning heads in the NBA with their recent performances, and it's not hard to see why. On Thursday night, they trounced the Indiana Pacers 133-109, following a 131-99 victory over the Bulls. This season, they've won 10 games by at least 20 points, a feat surpassed only by the Thunder, Knicks, Celtics, and Rockets.
What's truly astounding is that out of their 29 wins, a third have been by such a significant margin. This is reflected in their average margin of victory, a remarkable 16.9 points, placing them fourth all-time in NBA history. Only the 2025-26 Thunder, 1970-71 Bucks, and 2024-25 Thunder have done better, with the latter two winning championships.
Despite their overall record, the Hornets have shown flashes of brilliance. On January 10, they demolished the Jazz by 55 points, marking the largest victory margin in the league this season. Since then, they've won 13 of their last 16 games, emerging as one of the league's top teams in this stretch.
From January 22 to February 26, the Hornets have been unstoppable, ranking first in offensive rating, three-point percentage, free-throw percentage, and rebounding percentage. They've also been second in net rating and offensive rebounding percentage, and third in point differential.
While some might dismiss their achievements due to their 29-31 record, it's clear that the Hornets are more than just a fun team to watch. LaMelo Ball, often criticized for his style, is proving to be a key player. Despite shooting 40%, his impact is undeniable, with the team's performance dropping significantly when he's off the court.
The Hornets' starting lineup of Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté has been a revelation. Over 257 minutes, this group has outscored opponents by 29.5 points per 100 possessions, boasting a league-best offensive rating of 136.8.
Individually, these players are making waves. Brandon Miller, the No. 2 pick in 2023, is averaging nearly 21 points per game.
Meanwhile, rookie Kon Knueppel is making history, breaking the rookie record for three-pointers in a season with his 207th. Shooting over 43% from beyond the arc, Knueppel is on track to join an elite group of sharpshooters.
With this kind of firepower, the Hornets are far from being pushovers. If you're still thinking of them as underdogs, it's time to reassess. The playoffs need this team, and so do the fans eager to see what all the excitement is about.