The Charlotte Hornets put on an offensive clinic last night - at least on paper - but the final result told a more familiar story: a close game that slipped away late. Despite monster nights from Kon Knueppel and Miles Bridges, the Hornets couldn’t overcome their fourth-quarter defensive breakdowns in a tough loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Let’s start with the bright spots, because there were a couple worth spotlighting. Kon Knueppel had the kind of performance that makes you sit up and say, “Wait, this guy’s a rookie?”
The young guard dropped a career-high 33 points and looked every bit like a player who belongs - and then some. He scored from all over the floor, stayed composed when the Bulls made their runs, and hit big shots in big moments.
It wasn’t just the scoring - it was how he scored: off the bounce, off the catch, through contact. He looked like a player who’s already figured some things out.
Then there’s Miles Bridges, who continues to be the Hornets’ steady hand. He poured in 32 points of his own, attacking downhill, bullying defenders in the paint, and giving Charlotte that physical edge they rely on.
Bridges has quietly been one of the most consistent pieces for this team all season. He’s not just putting up 21.4 points per game - he’s doing it efficiently, shooting 43.6 percent while being one of the few guys who’s actually been available night in and night out.
If Knueppel is the breakout story, Bridges is the backbone.
But as good as those two were, the Hornets needed more. And when it mattered most, the defense just couldn’t hold up.
In the fourth quarter, Chicago took control by doing exactly what you’d expect from a veteran team sensing weakness: they attacked mismatches, got into the paint, and forced Charlotte to scramble. The Bulls either finished at the rim or kicked it out for clean looks when the help came late. It was textbook execution from Chicago - and a harsh reminder for Charlotte that offense alone won’t carry you across the finish line in this league.
The ending didn’t help the mood. With the Hornets trailing in the final seconds, Knueppel appeared to draw a foul on a three-point attempt - a chance to tie the game from the line.
But after review, the call was overturned. No free throws.
No miracle finish. Just more frustration.
Still, the loss can’t be pinned on that one call. Charlotte had opportunities throughout the game to take control, especially on the defensive end.
And head coach Charles Lee knows it - this is a young team, and young teams tend to learn the hard way in close games. This was one of those nights.
The good news? Knueppel continues to exceed expectations, and Bridges is playing some of the best basketball of his career.
Those are real building blocks. But if the Hornets want to start turning these close losses into wins, they’ll need to tighten up defensively and show more poise in crunch time.
Next up: a trip to Cleveland to face Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers. Another test, another opportunity to grow - and maybe this time, finish.