CHARLOTTE — Nearly two months into the 2025-26 season, the Charlotte Hornets are still struggling to find consistency as the team navigates a sustained rough stretch marked by injuries and flashes of promise from its young core.
After losing seven of its past 10 games, Charlotte sits at 8-18 overall and 2-4 in December entering the midpoint of the month. The team has been forced to juggle rotations and lean heavily on role players while multiple key contributors remain sidelined.
The Hornets notched a much-needed road victory on Sunday, topping the Cleveland Cavaliers (15-12) by a score of 119-111 in overtime. Rookie Kon Knueppel led Charlotte with 29 points, while Brandon Miller added 25 points and a career-high 13 rebounds in the extra-period triumph.
After blowing a 17-point lead in the third quarter, the Hornets regrouped late as Miller buried a tying three-pointer with five seconds remaining to force overtime.
Charlotte then locked down defensively in the extra period, holding Cleveland scoreless as the Cavaliers became just the 12th team in NBA history to be blanked in an overtime and the first since 2015.
“I thought the guys responded from the first quarter to the end of overtime,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said after the win. “To have a scoreless shutout in overtime with (Darius) Garland, (Donovan) Mitchell and (De’Andre) Hunter and all those guys who usually do such a great job of creating, I loved it. It was Sion (James), it was Brandon (Miller), it was Miles (Bridges), it was Kon (Knueppel). You can go down the whole roster.”
As Charlotte’s leading scorer with 21.3 points per game, Bridges also contributed a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the victory, which marked only the Hornets’ second win in their last six games.
“I love the competitive response that we had as a group and the ability for everybody to be ready for their opportunity,” Lee said. “Just everyone’s open mindedness as everyone chipped in. You get happy when you know how much effort they put into a game. To beat a good team on the road, it feels good.”
Star guard LaMelo Ball has been out since Dec. 5 with a left ankle bruise that continues to limit his mobility. His absence has left a noticeable void in Charlotte’s offensive flow, as the team has struggled to generate the same tempo that fuels its fast-paced attack.
Collin Sexton, the offseason acquisition brought in to boost scoring and energy, has missed time since Dec. 3 with a left quadriceps strain. Prior to going down, he had provided an immediate spark, averaging double-digit points and attacking the rim with aggression off the bench.
Tre Mann, another backcourt option who had carved out a key reserve role, has been out since Nov. 29 with a right knee bruise.
Grant Williams, the team’s versatile frontcourt presence, has been sidelined all season following right knee surgery, limiting Charlotte’s physicality and defensive flexibility in the paint. Now in his 11th NBA season, veteran guard Pat Connaughton has also missed time since Nov. 22 with a right calf strain.
All these absences have forced Lee to rely on younger players and increased minutes from the likes of rookie forward Kon Knueppel, who continues to be a bright spot in his first NBA campaign as he averages 19 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
The former Duke standout has impressed with his versatility, with his shooting efficiency and ability to make the right read in transition making him a steady presence in a rotation otherwise hit hard by injuries.
The standout rookie has also taken on a larger role in directing the offense with Ball sidelined.
“We have a lot of guys that can handle the ball,” Knueppel said. “It’s something I don’t take lightly, and something I want to get better at. So with LaMelo out, to have that opportunity and try to step up into that role is a big time opportunity. I’m just trying to do my best.”
A welcome sign came on Dec. 12 when guard Josh Green saw his first game action of the season after missing time following left shoulder surgery in June to address joint instability. Green’s athleticism and defensive energy add a needed boost on the perimeter, and the Hornets hope his return will help stabilize the defense as the team looks to solidify its identity.
The Hornets will host the Atlanta Hawks in the Spectrum Center on Thursday night.
