The Charlotte Hornets are buzzing, riding the momentum of their fifth straight victory after edging out the Dallas Mavericks in a thriller. Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg turned the night into a rookie showcase for the ages, combining for a staggering 83 points in a duel that felt like a preview of the league’s future. Knueppel believes everything is changing for the better for the Hornets in a rollercoaster season — and it all began when they defeated the defending champions.
In a year marked by growing pains and early injury setbacks, the Hornets may have finally stumbled upon a spark capable of becoming something real. At least, Knueppel thinks so. After the game, the rookie sharpshooter was asked by reporters, “What feels different about the team right now?” His answer spoke volumes about the team:
"We just got a spirit about us right now. It starts when you're on the road and beat OKC (Oklahoma City Thunder), 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."
The way Kon speaks with such confidence would make you think he was a five-year veteran in his prime. For a franchise that has spent so much time trying to build a foundation, his voice carries a weight that feels overdue. His presence signals a belief in this team for fans.
The OKC win wasn't a fluke
When Charlotte beat the Thunder on the road in a convincing fashion, many thought it was just a fluke. A young lottery-bound team beating the reigning champions was considered an outlier. Not anymore, as the Hornets have been one of the best teams in the league in the month of January. In the last 15 games, the Hornets have a net rating of +12.8, which is ranked first in the NBA.
One of the youngest teams in the league is playing at a high level. The ball is constantly moving, the chemistry is building, and the belief in the Hornets DNA is there. Everyone is buying in at the right time and they finally look like a competitive team. Second-year head coach Charles Lee should be ecstatic and proud of how far this team has come.
Knueppel, in particular, has been a key factor in the team's success. It's hard to lose games when your first-round rookie is on the cusp of joining the 50-40-90 club. He's shattering expectations and becoming a major voice in this locker room. And for the first time in a long time, the belief can finally be backed up by results.