All articles tagged with #hornets
In a Q&A with The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, the piece analyzes LaMelo Ball’s blockbuster move to Minnesota, addressing off-court incidents and injury risk, and explores how Ball’s elite playmaking could fit with Anthony Edwards under coach Chris Finch—offering a high-upside but uncertain outlook for the Timberwolves.
Orlando rode a relentless, physical attack to a 121-90 win over Charlotte, stifling the Hornets from the opening tip and extending Charlotte’s NBA playoff drought. Charlotte couldn't match the Magic’s toughness, with six illegal screens called in the first half and LaMelo Ball sidelined by early fouls. After the loss, coach Charles Lee urged offseason adjustments focused on protecting the paint and improving screening and execution, while players framed the night as a tough learning experience for next season.
In SoFi Play-In action, the East winner Orlando Magic crushed the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 to clinch the No. 8 seed, while Devin Booker’s Suns surged late to beat Stephen Curry’s Warriors 105-90, securing the West’s No. 8 seed and a playoff date with the Thunder; Jalen Green poured in 36 for PHX as Phoenix closed out the game strong.
The NBA is reportedly reviewing an incident where LaMelo Ball appeared to trip during the Heat–Hornets game, a play that occurred as Bam Adebayo left with an injury. The league has not announced any disciplinary action, but the review indicates Ball’s movement on court is under scrutiny following Adebayo’s injury.
Amazon Prime Video experienced a two-minute technical outage during OT of the Heat-Hornets play-in game, drawing fan embarrassment and social-media reactions before a dramatic finish in which LaMelo Ball’s late layup helped the Hornets edge the Heat 127-126 to clinch a playoff berth.
A pool report after Heat at Hornets (April 14, 2026) explains that the late play wasn’t reviewed in real time because there was no whistle, the fast break continued, and after a possession change and timeout the review window closed. The officiating crew reviewed the play at halftime. Whether the incident should be a flagrant will be determined by league operations in the coming days.
Charlotte edged Miami 127-126 in overtime to move on in the SoFi Play-In Tournament, while Portland rallied to beat Phoenix 114-110, securing the West’s No. 7 seed behind Deni Avdija’s 41 points.
The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament begins tonight on Prime with No. 10 Heat hosting No. 9 Hornets and No. 8 Blazers visiting No. 7 Suns, kicking off the 2025-26 postseason. Eight teams compete for four playoff spots across three Play-In nights, with Wednesday bringing Magic-76ers and Warriors-Clippers as the format is explained and team storylines are highlighted.
Boston survived a fast start by Charlotte to edge the Hornets, leaning on defense to stay in it and then tightening the offense to finish strong, signaling the Celtics’ championship identity as they push for playoff seeding ahead of a key game vs. the Knicks.
Paul George, back from suspension, delivered a two-way masterclass, including three first-half steals and a go-ahead corner 3 in the final minute, as the Sixers edged the Hornets 118-114 in Charlotte to keep pace in the East; Embiid and Maxey carried the offense early and late, with Embiid delivering a crucial late block, while Andre Drummond stabilized the paint as Charlotte dominated the boards with a 10-offensive-rebound edge that powered a big swing at halftime.
The Philadelphia 76ers head to Charlotte for a pivotal regular-season showdown that could decide the East’s tiebreaker, as both teams sit near the play-in line. Philly just poured in 157 points against the Bulls and may welcome Tyrese Maxey (finger tendon strain) back, with Kelly Oubre Jr. also listed as questionable, while Embiid and George energize the lineup. Charlotte counters with a surge of late-season success led by rookie Kon Knueppel and a stronger offense, setting up a rare rookie-versus-rookie clash with VJ Edgecombe in a game that could have long-term playoff implications. Tidjane Salaun is the only Hornet listed outside G League assignments. The outcome could shape playoff and play-in positioning for both teams.
At the Charlotte Hornets' ceremony retiring Dell Curry's No. 30, Seth Curry delivered a humorous quip about the number's new iconic status, while Steph Curry attended and paid tribute to his father.
Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 200 made 3-pointers, accomplishing the feat in 58 games, while leading rookies with 201 threes this season and helping Charlotte push toward a play-in spot.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a crash in Uptown Charlotte near Trade Street and North Tryon Street. One person sustained non-life‑threatening injuries. It is not known whether Ball was driving, and officials have not released details or charges; Ball was seen exiting the vehicle and the Hornets have not commented.
A heated second-half confrontation between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets led to four players being ejected, including Jalen Duren, Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges, as Detroit prevailed in Charlotte.