The Charlotte Hornets are suddenly in the mix for a spot in the Eastern Conference Play-in Tournament, and their resurgence in the standings is the result of a collective effort from the stars to the coaching staff. However, on the court LaMelo Ball, Kon Nueppel and Brandon Miller are leading the way for the Hornets.
Since January 3, the Hornets have won 18 games, the most in the NBA, and are the fourth-winningest team in the NBA with their 18–8 record, trailing only the Detroit Pistons (18–5), San Antonio Spurs (18–7) and Cleveland Cavaliers (17–7).
Since the beginning of January, LaMelo Ball (99), Kon Nueppel (92), and Brandon Miller (90) rank first, second, and third in the NBA in total three-pointers made, which shows how impactful these three players have been for the Hornets.
The Charlotte Hornets are 17-2 this season, including their first five…
– LaMelo Ball
- Con Knuppel
- Brandon Miller
- Miles Bridge
- Moussa DiabetIn the 270 minutes these five have shared the floor this season, the Hornets have an offensive rating of 137.0 and a defensive rating of 106.5... pic.twitter.com/L3u3u105SU
- Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) 27 February 2026
Additionally, the Charlotte Hornets are 17-2 this season with a starting five of LaMelo Ball, Kon Nueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate. In the 270 minutes these five players have shared the floor this season, the Hornets have an offensive rating of 137.0 and a defensive rating of 106.5, meaning they have outscored opponents by 30.5 points per 100 possessions.
This includes wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets. Charlotte is also currently the last team to defeat the Spurs, going 11–0 in the month of February.
The Hornets' only two losses in the opening five have come against the Detroit Pistons by six points and against the LA Clippers by eight points.
Entering March, the Hornets have the 12th toughest remaining strength of schedule with an average opponent winning percentage of .502. Some of their toughest remaining games include three games against the Boston Celtics, two games against the New York Knicks, one game against the Detroit Pistons, and one game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Brandon Miller is the Hornets' scoring leader, averaging 20.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three.
Kon Nueppel is averaging 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists for Charlotte, while shooting 49.1 percent from the field, 44.2 percent from three and 89.8 percent from the free throw line.
LaMelo Ball is averaging 19.4 points with 4.8 rebounds and a team-high 73 assists per game, while shooting 40.3 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three.
