The Charlotte Hornets have had a challenging preseason, suffering their second consecutive loss against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. This performance highlighted both the team's struggles and the emergence of promising talent.
Tough Loss Against Thunder
In their latest matchup, the Hornets fell short once again, losing to the Thunder in a game characterized by rapid and fluctuating scoring runs. The Hornets started slow, trailing 9-0 early but quickly answered with a run of their own. However, the Thunder responded with a dominant 15-2 run, showcasing their offensive prowess. Head Coach Charles has emphasized the need for consistency, as the team continues to work through its growing pains.
This loss adds to the Hornets' preseason woes, as they now find themselves without a win against the Thunder, who have proven to be a formidable opponent. Key players like Collin Sexton and Tre Mann led the Thunder in scoring, posing challenges that the Hornets struggled to counter.
Rookies Making an Impact
Despite the losses, rookie Kon Knueppel has been a standout player for the Hornets. After just two preseason games, his performance has prompted discussions about his readiness to take on a larger role within the team. Analysts are noting that he may be deserving of more playing time than the 27.8 minutes per game averaged by last season's Josh Green. Knueppel's ability to make impactful plays has not gone unnoticed, and he is quickly becoming a focal point for the Hornets’ future.
Additionally, Tidjane Salaün, another second-year player, is showing signs of improvement. While still a work in progress, Salaün's rebounding and decision-making have been highlighted as areas of growth. His increased comfort on the court is promising, suggesting that the Hornets may have a solid foundation moving forward.
Veteran Presence Needed
As the team navigates its preseason challenges, questions arise about its veteran presence. With the offseason departures of key veterans like Taj Gibson and Seth Curry, the Hornets are in need of leadership on the court. The recent addition of players such as Pat Connaughton and Spencer Dinwiddie aims to fill this gap, but their absence in the last game raised concerns about depth and experience.
Overall, the Hornets are focused on developing their young talent while seeking to gain traction in the preseason. The combination of promising rookies and the need for veteran guidance will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
TL;DR
- The Charlotte Hornets lost their second preseason game to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Rookie Kon Knueppel has impressed early, potentially earning more playing time.
- Tidjane Salaün is showing signs of growth as a second-year player.
- The team is addressing a lack of veteran presence after offseason departures.