The Charlotte Hornets kicked off their 2025 NBA preseason with a tough 135-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Despite a near-fully healthy roster, the Hornets struggled to find their rhythm against a Thunder team that was missing its top six players, leading to a disappointing start for the season.
Game Overview
Playing at the North Charleston Coliseum, the Hornets were eager to showcase their new lineup. However, they quickly fell behind as the Thunder's bench players, led by Aaron Wiggins, scored effectively. Wiggins recorded 23 points, while the Hornets’ defense faltered, allowing the Thunder to dominate the scoreboard. The matchup highlighted defensive issues that the Hornets will need to address as the preseason continues.
Charlotte's performance was marred by early jitters and a lack of cohesion. Despite this, there were bright spots, particularly with the debut of rookie Kon Knueppel. The former Duke forward scored 18 points and showcased his potential as a valuable asset for the team. Analysts noted that Knueppel's confidence grew as the game progressed, hinting at a promising future.
Roster Adjustments
In the lead-up to the preseason, the Hornets made significant roster moves by waiving DaQuan Jeffries. This decision reflects the team's strategy to fine-tune their lineup as they prepare for the regular season. The focus now shifts to how the remaining players will gel, especially with the addition of new talent like Collin Sexton, who is expected to play a crucial role in the team's offensive strategy.
The Hornets face the challenge of rebuilding their competitive edge after a lackluster previous season. Pundits have suggested that the team may need to embrace a more strategic approach this year, potentially even considering a "tank" strategy to better position themselves for the future.
Looking Ahead
As the Hornets regroup after their preseason opener, they will need to address their defensive struggles and improve overall team chemistry. The upcoming games will be critical for the players to find their footing and for the coaching staff to evaluate the team’s potential. Charlotte's next challenge will be to harness the talent of their rookies while maximizing the contributions from their veteran players.
TL;DR
- The Charlotte Hornets lost 135-114 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their preseason opener.
- Rookie Kon Knueppel impressed with 18 points in his debut, showing promise for the season.
- The Hornets waived DaQuan Jeffries as they fine-tune their roster ahead of the regular season.
- Defensive issues were apparent, highlighting areas the team needs to improve moving forward.