The Charlotte Hornets didn’t just win Monday night-they sent a message. Hosting the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte didn’t just take care of business; they blew the doors off the building in a 130-93 statement win that showcased just how far this team has come.
With the victory, the Hornets notched their 19th win of the season-matching their total from all of last year. And here’s the kicker: they’ve still got 35 games left to play. That’s not just improvement; that’s a team turning the corner.
Brandon Miller was the headliner, and rightfully so. The rookie looked like a seasoned vet out there, dropping a game-high 30 points on a blistering 9-for-11 from the field, including 6-of-8 from deep.
He also added eight rebounds for good measure. It wasn’t just the numbers-it was the confidence, the poise, and the way he carried the offense when it mattered.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Charlotte had eight players score in double figures, a testament to the ball movement, unselfish play, and the kind of team chemistry that’s been building quietly over the past few weeks. They were locked in on both ends of the floor, and it showed-especially in a third quarter that turned the game into a rout.
That third frame? Pure domination.
Charlotte outscored Philly 40-15, turning a competitive game into a blowout. At one point, the Hornets led by 50.
Yes, 50. It’s the second time this month they’ve hit that mark, having dismantled the Utah Jazz by 55 earlier in January.
That kind of performance isn’t just rare-it’s historic. The last team to lead by 50 in two separate games in the same month was the 2009 Phoenix Suns.
And while the Suns that year just missed the playoffs, finishing ninth in the West, Charlotte’s path in the East might be a little more forgiving-especially with some teams ahead of them potentially shifting into sell mode at the trade deadline. Monday’s win moved the Hornets within one game of the 11th seed, right behind the Milwaukee Bucks, who, along with the Bulls, are rumored to be considering moves that would signal a step back.
Of course, Charlotte has its own decisions to make. There’s talk that they could be sellers too, which, depending on how you look at it, might make sense for the long-term build. But there’s also something to be said for momentum-and right now, this team has it.
The Hornets aren’t just racking up wins-they’re doing it with authority. And while there’s still plenty of season left, Monday night felt like more than just another game. It felt like a team starting to believe.