The Charlotte Hornets are officially on a heater. Winners of five straight, they just outlasted the Dallas Mavericks in a game that felt less like a midseason matchup and more like a glimpse into the NBA’s future. Rookies Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg turned the night into their personal showcase, combining for a jaw-dropping 83 points and lighting up the court in a way that had fans and scouts alike buzzing.
But this wasn’t just a fun night for the highlight reel - it’s starting to feel like something real is building in Charlotte. And if you ask Knueppel, it all traces back to one pivotal win: a road victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. That game, in his eyes, lit the fuse.
“We just got a spirit about us right now,” Knueppel said postgame. “It starts when you're on the road and beat OKC, the best team in the league - gives you confidence... we're a good basketball team.
We're starting to really believe that about ourselves and coming out and hunting every night. We're getting hot, and I think we're gonna stay hot.”
That’s not just rookie optimism - that’s a young player stepping into a leadership role. And for a franchise that’s spent years trying to find its footing, Knueppel’s voice carries weight. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s setting a tone.
That OKC Win Was No Fluke
When the Hornets went into Oklahoma City and took down the champs, most wrote it off as a blip - a lottery team catching lightning in a bottle. But that narrative doesn’t hold up anymore.
Charlotte has been one of the league’s best teams in January. Over their last 15 games, they boast a league-leading +12.8 net rating.
That’s not a hot streak - that’s sustained dominance.
This is one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, but they’re playing with the poise and confidence of a veteran group. The ball is moving, the defense is locked in, and the chemistry is palpable.
Head coach Charles Lee, now in his second year, has this squad playing connected, unselfish basketball. And perhaps most importantly, they believe in each other - and it shows.
Knueppel’s Breakout Is Fueling the Surge
Knueppel has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s flirting with the ultra-exclusive 50-40-90 club - a benchmark of elite efficiency that even seasoned stars struggle to hit.
And he’s doing it as a rookie. It’s not just the shooting, though.
It’s the way he carries himself, the way he talks about the team, the way he competes. He’s already becoming a voice in the locker room, and that’s not something you can teach.
Pair that with the electric play of Cooper Flagg, and suddenly Charlotte has a foundation that looks more like a launchpad. These aren’t just promising young players - they’re impact guys, right now, driving real wins.
For a team that’s spent years searching for direction, this stretch feels different. The Hornets aren’t just playing better - they’re playing with purpose. And if Knueppel’s words are any indication, they’re not planning to slow down anytime soon.
The rest of the league might want to start paying attention. The Hornets are no longer the team you pencil in as an easy win. They’re coming - and they’re coming fast.