Hornets Clinch First Winning Season in 5 Years

Charlotte's playoff push gets a boost with milestone victory over Indiana Pacers.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:34pm

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The Charlotte Hornets have clinched their first winning season in half a decade, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a key victory that puts them on track for their best record since the 2021-22 season. This marks a significant turnaround for the team, which has struggled in recent years to find consistent success.

Why it matters

The Hornets' return to winning ways is a major boost for their playoff aspirations this season. After several down years, this winning season signals the team may be poised to make a deep postseason run, energizing their fanbase and potentially attracting new supporters in the Charlotte area.

The details

The Hornets' victory over the Pacers was a hard-fought affair, with the team rallying in the second half to secure the win. Key contributions came from several players, including All-Star guard LaMelo Ball and veteran forward Miles Bridges. The win puts the Hornets' record at 42-32, their best mark since the 2021-22 campaign.

  • The Hornets clinched their first winning season since 2021-22 on April 4, 2026.
  • The team's last winning season was in the 2021-22 NBA season.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' All-Star guard and one of the team's key players in their return to winning ways.

Miles Bridges

A veteran forward who has provided valuable leadership and production for the Hornets this season.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge milestone for our team and our fans. We've worked hard to get back to this point, and we're not done yet.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

“It feels great to be a part of this turnaround. We're playing for each other and the city, and we're not going to stop until we reach our goals.”

— LaMelo Ball

What’s next

The Hornets will look to continue their strong play and secure a playoff berth in the final weeks of the regular season. Their next key matchup is against the division-leading Atlanta Hawks on April 10th.

The takeaway

The Hornets' return to winning ways is a testament to the team's resilience and the hard work of the players and coaching staff. After several down years, this milestone victory signals that the Hornets are poised to be a force in the Eastern Conference playoff race.