Hornets Defeat the Nets to Kickoff 2025-26 NBA Season with a Victory
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 136-117, to open the 2025-26 NBA Season. This was the fourth-straight opening night win for the Hornets, the current longest winning streak in the NBA. What defined this team win was Charlotte’s ability to share the ball, get stops on defense, and outscore their opponents in transition. These are the principles that head coach Charles Lee preached last year, and one game in, it seems that the team is buying into the culture he is establishing. Brandon Miller, coming off a wrist injury, scored 25 points to lead the team in scoring. LaMelo Ball scored 20 points and had eight assists.
In the first quarter, both teams were feeling each other out, as you can tell that players from both teams were trying to shake off some early-season nerves. One of the plays that really woke everybody up was an explosive alley-oop from Ball to Miller, and after that, both teams seemed to find their footing in what turned into a terrific contest. Charlotte deployed three rookies in the first six minutes of the game, including starting Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner in the starting lineup, a first for the Hornets in franchise history. Knueppel recorded the first field goal for the Hornets this year with a running layup, and Kalkbrenner was a presence in the paint by easily scoring layups and using his presence to adjust shots, and even recorded a block on the defensive end; however, it was called a foul on the floor. The Hornets' bench recorded 17 of the team’s 38 first-quarter points, led by Collin Sexton and Moussa Diabate. Charlotte’s defense was on display in this quarter as they forced four turnovers and scored six points off them, three transition layups. In the first quarter, nine different Hornets scored while only 10 played in the first. This really showed their offensive depth in the first game of the season. Sexton led the team in scoring with nine points in the first. The Hornets took a six-point lead into the second quarter.
In the second, Nic Claxton really got going for the Nets as he took advantage of being guarded by the former Creighton center by taking it to him in the paint and outhustled him on the glass. As the Nets got back in the game, Cam Thomas did a good job of getting into the paint to either force fouls or kick it out to his teammates for shots. However, the Hornets had a response to the Nets courtesy of the three-point line, which was once a weakness for the team, but seems to be a strength in the first game of the year. Charlotte made five three-pointers in the second quarter. What also worked in the second quarter was the “BMB” connection between Ball, Miles Bridges, and Miller. LaMelo connected with two no-look alley-oops with both Bridges and Miller. This kickstarted a 21-8 run that the Hornets closed the first half with to lead 77-60 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Hornets opened up their lead to 22 points; however, the Nets did battle back to cut it to at least 12 at one point. However, what doomed Brooklyn in this quarter was their transition defense, as they failed to defend the speed of the Hornets' guards. The third quarter was the Collin Sexton quarter as the former Alabama guard took over and was able to get into the paint with ease and dished the ball out to wide-open shooters in the corner. Turnovers were essential in this quarter as both teams could not hold on to the ball; however, the Hornets took a 111-97 lead heading into the final 12 minutes. In the fourth quarter, it was more of the same. Instead, it was Miller and Ball leading the charge to secure the 19-point lead for the Hornets. Charlotte now starts the new NBA season 1-0.
Overall, the Hornets showed great depth as nine players scored in double figures. The rookies were really impressive in their first taste of NBA regular-season action. Kneuppel, the sharpshooter from Duke, poured in 11 points and shot 75 percent from three. Kalkbrenner recorded his first double-double of his young NBA career. Hornets fans should watch out for these two young playmakers as the 2025-26 season continues with more growth and development; they could be mainstays in the starting lineup going forward. Charlotte as a team shot 53 percent from the field and 48 percent from the three-point line. Their defense was sensational tonight as they forced 17 turnovers and recorded five blocks. Fans hope that this trend will continue as the Buzz City team looks to improve its offensive and defensive ratings from last year, which ranked near the bottom of the league. Next up for the Hornets will be their first road game of the year when they head to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. EST.
