Charlotte Hornets Surge to 14th Win in 17 Games

The Hornets' starting lineup is now 18-2 this season as the team continues to win despite off-shooting nights from key players.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:31am

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The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 109-93 at home on Saturday, marking their 14th win in their past 17 games. The Hornets' starting lineup of Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate, Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, and Miles Bridges is now 18-2 this season, showcasing the team's ability to win even when their shots aren't falling. Backup point guard Coby White provided a big boost off the bench with 20 points, as the Hornets' defensive mindset and overall team health have fueled their recent success.

Why it matters

The Hornets' current 14-3 stretch has them sitting at 30-31 on the season, putting them in contention for a play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference. After being 16-28 on January 21st, the Hornets have turned things around with their stifling defense and balanced scoring attack, proving they can win in a variety of ways as they make a push for their first playoff berth since 2016.

The details

Despite shooting under 42% from the field and making only 16 3-pointers after hitting 72 over their previous three games, the Hornets were able to pull away in the fourth quarter for a comfortable victory. Hornets coach Charles Lee credited the team's 'great defensive mindset' as a key factor in their recent success, allowing them to win even when their usually potent offense is not clicking. The Hornets' starting lineup of Miller, Diabate, Knueppel, Ball, and Bridges has been dominant, going 18-2 this season.

  • The Hornets have won 14 of their past 17 games.
  • Charlotte was 16-28 on January 21st before turning things around.

The players

Brandon Miller

The Hornets' starting small forward scored a team-high 26 points in the win.

Coby White

The Hornets' backup point guard provided a big boost off the bench with 20 points in his first home game in Charlotte.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' starting point guard had a subpar shooting night, going 6-for-19 for 15 points.

Miles Bridges

The Hornets' starting power forward and longest-tenured player noted the team's ability to win even when their offense struggles.

Charles Lee

The Hornets' head coach credited the team's defensive mindset as a key factor in their recent success.

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What they’re saying

“In past years, we would have lost that game by a lot, just because our offense wasn't going.”

— Miles Bridges, Hornets player

“The great thing about our team, what makes us so good, is we have a great defensive mindset while also being able to have an explosive, dynamic offense as well.”

— Charles Lee, Hornets head coach

“A lot of the guys are pretty much younger than me. They just have that youthfulness about them — that pure, genuine love for the game.”

— Coby White, Hornets backup point guard

What’s next

If the Hornets can win their next game on Tuesday night at home against the Dallas Mavericks, they will finally climb back to .500 on the season after being 16-28 on January 21st.

The takeaway

The Hornets' ability to win games in a variety of ways, even when their shots aren't falling, demonstrates the team's maturity and defensive-minded approach. With a healthy roster and a quarter of the season remaining, the Hornets have positioned themselves well to make a push for their first playoff berth since 2016.