Charlotte Hornets’ Remarkable January Performance

The Charlotte Hornets are surprising everyone with their impressive play—really, they’re on a roll. This isn’t just a feeling; their statistics back it up. January has been a historic month for them, boasting an 11-6 record and riding a six-game winning streak. Coach Charles Lee has truly sparked something special in this team.

It’s not just about winning; it’s about how decisively they’re doing it. After a thrilling overtime victory against the Mavericks, Charlotte recorded a +151 differential. This ties them with the legendary 2010-11 Miami Heat, which had stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. It’s quite a remarkable achievement for any team.

Now, about Con Knuppel—he might be in the running for Rookie of the Year, although Cooper Flagg is also turning heads. However, Knuppel is proving to be more than just a supplement to the lineup; he’s emerged as the main three-point threat for a team that’s already strong from beyond the arc. His shooting average from deep is 42.7%, and his effective field goal percentage has climbed to 60.9% this season. He’s not just making shots; he’s shooting a lot, averaging 7.7 attempts from three per game.

This was showcased beautifully on Saturday when he went 8-for-12 from three-point range in a standout performance.

Initially considered the highest-ranked undrafted player compared to Klay Thompson, Knuppel is now in a position to exceed those early expectations. He can score from multiple levels, not just as a spot-up shooter. People were unsure if he could create his own shots, but he’s proven that he can. Additionally, he’s showing he can defend well, relying on his court awareness to disrupt plays before they develop.

When the Hornets picked Knuppel, there was a lot of talk about how he would mesh with Brandon Miller. Both have similar skills, and Miller, selected second in the 2023 draft, was appreciated for his shooting and ability to create his own shots. The Hornets really needed to lessen the focus on LaMelo Ball;

this was an important part of their strategy.

Finding this balance hasn’t always been easy, but the Hornets seem to be settling into a groove. The starting lineup featuring LaMelo Ball, Con Knuppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté has proven to be effective. Offensively, this arrangement allows for three perimeter shooters, with Bridges and Diabaté providing solid finishing around the basket. On defense, there’s a good mix of on-ball pressure from Ball, off-ball contributions from Knuppel, and rim protection from both Bridges and Diabaté.

This shift is reflected in the Hornets’ season stats.

• 3rd in three-point field goals (+17.5%)
• 16th in free throws (+19.3%)
• 7th in rebounds (+1.2%)
• 11th in assists (+10.3%)
• 14th in points (+10.6%)
• 12th in goals conceded (+0.3%)

The focus on offense has been noteworthy. This team has developed a sense of cohesion and purpose. In the past, they felt rather one-dimensional—with LaMelo either shooting or assisting, and not much else to show for it. Now, the offense thrives on second and third passes, stretching the defense thanks to the plethora of shooters on the roster.

Interestingly, this shift has benefited LaMelo Ball greatly. He’s averaging five fewer attempts per game, yet his turnover rate is at a career low, alongside a rise in assists. This core group in Charlotte seems to have found a rhythm that upholds Coach Lee’s strategy and generates results.

Another key player to mention is Moussa Diabaté, who fits perfectly with this revamped Hornets team. After signing him to a two-way contract at the end of 2024, the team was impressed enough to trade Mark Williams to the Suns. While Diabaté may not be an offensive threat, he excels defensively and is a more aggressive rebounder. It’s not just that he’s better than Williams—he simply suits this team better as a complementary player.

Looking ahead, it’s uncertain how far this team can ultimately go. At 22-28, the Hornets do face a challenge in the playoff race. However, if they can sustain their January momentum, they might claw their way into postseason contention as a play-in team.

The future, particularly the 2026-27 season, holds promise. If they can secure a tall defensive player to pair with Diabaté, this current scoring trio could truly make an impact in the Eastern Conference. Plus, with $12 million in tax credits available, they have the potential to bolster their bench. A year from now, the Hornets might be looking at a much brighter future.

For now, though, fans are enjoying the ride. The Hornets have brought together a talented young core, and the energy around the team has never been better. It’s been quite a turnaround for a team that often flew under the radar, and the possibilities seem endless.