The Charlotte Hornets, a team that has faced years of rebuilding and injury setbacks, have started to turn heads in the 2025-26 NBA season by securing surprising wins against some of the league’s top-tier teams. Far from being a fluke, these victories stem from a combination of renewed health, tactical adjustments by second-year coach Charles Lee, the emergence of a versatile young core, and a newfound defensive identity that has instilled a culture of relentless effort and togetherness.
Buzz City Rising: Unpacking the Hornets’ Upset Victories
The Return to Full Strength: A Healthy Roster as the Foundation
Perhaps the most significant factor is the improved health of Charlotte’s core players. The 2024-25 season was derailed by significant injuries to key contributors like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Grant Williams. With these players now healthy and back in the lineup, the team has the necessary talent and depth to compete on any given night.
The presence of a healthy Ball is a major catalyst, as his playmaking and scoring ability raise the team’s ceiling. The continued development of Miller, who can bend defenses with his slashing and shooting, further enhances the offensive potential. This core, complemented by solid veterans and promising rookies like Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, provides a balanced attack that no longer relies on one player to carry the load, making them less predictable and harder to guard.
Charles Lee’s Impact and a New Defensive Mindset
Lee, who brought championship experience from his time as an assistant, has been instrumental in reshaping the team’s culture and strategy. He has instilled a defensive-minded approach that emphasizes relentless effort and attention to detail.
This shift is evident in specific game performances, such as the blowout win over the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, where the Hornets’ defense bunkered down, forcing the Thunder into a season-low point total. They controlled the boards and applied significant ball pressure, disrupting the opponent’s rhythm. This newfound defensive identity has provided the stability needed to compete with high-powered offenses.
Key In-Game Factors Contributing to Success
When the Hornets pull off an upset, several recurring themes emerge from the game film. First, there is dominance on the boards. The Hornets have shown an ability to control the glass, particularly the offensive boards. Against the Thunder, they won the second-chance points battle convincingly, a testament to the hustle and athleticism of players like Moussa Diabate. This provides valuable extra possessions and frustrates opponents.
Second, there is balanced scoring and excellent ball movement. The team is sharing the ball more effectively, racking up assists and ensuring that defenses cannot key in on a single scorer. In their record-setting road win against the Utah Jazz, nine different Hornets players scored in double figures, highlighting their offensive depth.
Finally, the Hornets are providing clutch performances. In the past, the Hornets struggled in close games. This season, they have shown improvement in late-game situations, making the right plays down the stretch to secure clutch victories.
Final Thoughts
After their dominant victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, the Hornets are showing that while they may not be considered a great team on paper based on past performance, their combination of a healthy, cohesive roster, strong coaching, and an unwavering competitive spirit allows them to punch above their weight class and beat top competition.
We’ve seen just how dangerous this team could be when Ball, Miller, Knueppel, and Miles Bridges are all on the same page. The future is looking bright in Buzz City, and their current run is a strong validation of the rebuilding blueprint put in place by the new front office. The only thing missing at this point is consistency in the win column, which may be on the way as long as this young core remains healthy.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
