BOSTON – Michael Jordan, though no longer the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, may finally have reason to feel a sense of pride in the franchise he purchased in 2010. A stunning 89-118 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night offered a glimpse of the potential Jordan envisioned, a stark contrast to the years of frustration that led him to relinquish majority control in the summer of 2023. While he retains a minority stake, the Hornets’ performance in Boston, a game that left Celtics fans reeling, is a welcome sign for the former NBA icon.
The Hornets’ dominant performance at TD Garden wasn’t just a win. it was a statement. Boston, typically a fortress, was “frozen,” as one report described it, by a Charlotte team playing with confidence and efficiency. The game similarly featured a highlight-reel moment that encapsulated the Hornets’ authority: a powerful dunk by Brandon Miller over Celtics rookie Hugo González.
González, a product of Real Madrid’s youth system, had a decent outing with 8 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist, shooting 3-of-8 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Yet, he was on the receiving conclude of Miller’s emphatic play, a visual representation of Charlotte’s control. González had recently posted an impressive 18 points and 16 rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks, a performance that drew comparisons to Larry Bird, but couldn’t replicate that success against the Hornets.
Derrick White led Boston with 29 points in what was described as a hard night for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown struggled, shooting 7-of-19 for 20 points. Kon Knueppel paced the Hornets with 20 points, contributing to a team effort that saw Charlotte shoot 19-of-49 from three-point range (39%), compared to Boston’s 10-of-28 (28%).
This victory is part of a remarkable turnaround for the Hornets, who have gone 22-9 since the start of the year. They’ve climbed to ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 32-31 record, firmly in the play-in tournament picture and within striking distance of the sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers (34-28). The team’s resurgence has been unexpected, a welcome development after years of struggles.
Much of Charlotte’s success can be attributed to the play of Knueppel, who has become a prolific three-point shooter. He has already broken the rookie record for most three-pointers made in a season, currently at 212 and counting, shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc against the Celtics. This marks a significant shift for the Hornets, who were once defined by draft struggles but are now finding success with recent picks like Miller, selected second overall in 2023 – a pick that was initially met with criticism as some favored Scott Henderson, now with the Portland Trail Blazers and reportedly struggling to find his footing.
The architect of this transformation is head coach Charles Lee, a former assistant under Joe Mazzulla with the 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics. Lee has implemented a similar offensive philosophy, emphasizing three-point shooting. The Hornets are now the second-highest three-point shooting team in the NBA, averaging 16 three-pointers per game, just ahead of Boston at 15.4. The difference in shooting efficiency was particularly evident against the Celtics.
Despite the Hornets’ success, the Celtics aren’t dwelling on the loss. The impending return of Jayson Tatum, potentially as early as Friday against the Dallas Mavericks and Cooper Flagg, offers a boost of optimism. However, for Hugo González and the Celtics, this defeat serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead. For Michael Jordan, it’s a moment to savor – a sign that the Hornets, even in a diminished ownership role, are finally trending in the right direction.
The Hornets’ unexpected rise raises questions about the future of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Can they maintain this momentum and secure a guaranteed playoff spot? The next few weeks will be crucial as they navigate a challenging schedule and look to solidify their position. The team’s success is a testament to the development of young players like Miller and Knueppel, as well as the coaching acumen of Charles Lee.
Key Takeaways:
- The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Boston Celtics 118-89 in a stunning upset.
- Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is breaking three-point records and leading the team’s offensive surge.
- Michael Jordan, despite selling his majority stake, appears to be finding satisfaction in the Hornets’ progress.
- The Celtics are awaiting the return of Jayson Tatum to bolster their playoff push.
The Celtics will look to rebound on Friday when they host the Dallas Mavericks. The Hornets, meanwhile, will continue their road trip, aiming to build on their impressive winning streak. Fans can follow the latest updates and analysis on Archysport.com.
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