Tag: Miles Bridges

Team effort propels Hornets over Hawks with Bridges, Diabate suspended for fight

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With Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate missing the first game of their respective four-game suspensions, the Charlotte Hornets were counting on rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner and veteran journeyman Grant Williams to step up in the final matchup before the NBA All-Star break. The results were mixed.

Kalkbrenner and Williams had 12 combined points, but the Hornets (26-29) were still able to defeat the Atlanta Hawks, 110-107, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday with the backing of a total team effort and a 31-point performance from shooting guard Brandon Miller.

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller, left, shoots past a block by Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com

Kalkbrenner started at center in place of Diabate against Atlanta (26-30), while Williams started at power forward for Bridges.

The NBA handed out four-game suspensions to Bridges and Williams just a few hours before the 7 p.m. tip-off. Williams and Bridges were punished for their involvement in Monday’s extended on-court skirmish with Detroit Pistons big men Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. Duren received a two-game suspension, while Stewart — who left the Detroit bench to get involved in the fight — received a seven-game ban. All four players were ejected during the third quarter of the Hornets’ 110-104 home loss to the Pistons.

Hornets coach Charles Lee, who was also ejected Monday following a later argument with an official, backed Williams and Kalkbrenner after the suspension notices of Bridges and Diabate. He also noted that he was relieved to know how long he’d be missing two of his five primary starters.

“Our group all year has done a great job (regardless) of whoever is available,” Lee said before the game. “Those guys are prepared, they’re competitive, they know our identity and how we need to play on both ends of the court. So, I feel good about the group that we have. We’ll miss those guys for the next four games, but there’s never a finite roster at any point because who knows what happens in the next couple of games.”

Williams, Kalkbrenner lifted by total team effort

Against the Hawks, Williams made his first start since Nov. 23, 2024. He was sidelined nearly 14 months with an ACL injury from that game until Jan. 10 of this year.

In the previous 13 games since returning from the knee injury, Williams averaged 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. On Wednesday, he went 1 of 9 from the field and finished with seven points and eight rebounds.

The Hornets entered the matchup with a 9-17 record with Kalkbrenner as the starting center. The squad was 12-4 in games when he came off the bench, largely due to the productivity of Diabate in recent weeks.

Kalkbrenner picked up two fouls less than four minutes into the game, and he was held scoreless until the third quarter. He did, though, have two blocked shots and six rebounds in roughly 24 minutes.

Williams and Kalkbrenner were lifted by the play of the rest of the starting lineup against Atlanta. Rookie small forward Kon Knueppel, point guard LaMelo Ball and Miller went a combined 16 of 39 from 3-point range.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball pleads with a referee against the Atlanta Hawks at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com

“Huge resolve on this team,” Lee said after the win. “I think it also just shows the commitment to togetherness, because I see, a lot of times, those guys who could be competing for minutes are talking to one another about how they can help not get in foul trouble or how they can be in a better position. … It’s a mindset that the group is developing, and they understand how much they need each other — how much we need them to come in and impact the game in a lot of different ways. So, I’m proud of them.”

Knueppel connected on 4 of 7 of his 3-point attempts, while shooting 5 of 12 from the floor. The impressive rookie finished the win with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists.

“I think we come into every game as the hunters,” Knueppel said. “And I think that’s kind of flipped from the beginning of the season. We were building good habits, but now we come in expecting to win games. And I think that’s what you need to be successful in this league, ‘cause it’s really hard to win. And so the appreciation of how hard it is is something I think we have a good grasp on right now, and what it takes. So, we’ll just keep building on that — we still have a long way to go.”

Ball chipped in 24 points, four rebounds and six assists while shooting 8 of 23 against the Hawks. He hit 7 of 18 of his 3-point attempts

Miller added nine rebounds and two assists to his team-leading 31 points in 36 minutes of action. Big man P.J. Hall came off the bench for 11 points and a team-leading 10 rebounds with Kalkbrenner sidelined with fouls early on in the contest.

The Hawks were led by guard Dyson Daniels, who produced 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Forward Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 13 rebounds and nine assists, to go along with 19 points, in 34 minutes.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, left, reaches for the rebound past Atlanta Hawks center Jock Landale at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com

The Hornets have won 13 of their last 17 games. Charlotte has also won of the season series against Atlanta, 3-1, after winning three consecutive matchups against the Hawks this season.

“With 27 games to go, we’ve built this mindset, we’ve built some resolve, we’ve built an identity — I really, truly believe,” Lee said. “And so, as they get a day or two to let their bodies recover, think about what we want to accomplish when we come back here. And I think I know the answer, but it’s the perfect time to reflect on everything we’ve done, and then figure how we can stay hungry and take advantage of a couple of days to rest and recover.”

Mike Kaye

The Charlotte Observer

Mike Kaye writes about the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. He also co-hosts “Processing Blue: A Panthers Podcast” for The Observer. Kaye’s work in columns/analysis and sports feature writing has been honored by the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA). His reporting has also received recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. Support my work with a digital subscription

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February 11, 2026
Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren Hit With Suspensions After Pistons-Hornets Fight
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The NBA has officially handed down discipline following Monday night’s heated Pistons–Hornets altercation, and Detroit forward-center Isaiah Stewart is facing the steepest penalty.

On Wednesday, the league announced that Stewart has been suspended seven games for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering an on-court altercation, and fighting during the incident late in Detroit’s win over Charlotte.

According to the NBA, the length of Stewart’s suspension was influenced not only by his role in the fight, but also by what the league described as his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.”

What Happened

The incident occurred with 7:09 remaining in the third quarter of the Pistons’ 110–104 victory at Spectrum Center on Feb. 9. The situation escalated after Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté committed a defensive foul on Pistons center Jalen Duren, leading to a physical confrontation between multiple players.

Stewart left the bench area and entered the fray, which significantly increased the severity of the league’s discipline.

Additional Suspensions

The NBA also issued the following penalties:
- Miles Bridges (Hornets): 4-game suspension for fighting and escalating the altercation
- Moussa Diabaté (Hornets): 4-game suspension for fighting and escalating the altercation
- Jalen Duren (Pistons): 2-game suspension for initiating the altercation and fighting
All four players were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.

When the Suspensions Begin
- Stewart and Duren will begin serving their suspensions Wednesday when the Pistons visit the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
- Bridges and Diabaté will also begin serving their suspensions Wednesday when Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks.
Impact on the Pistons

Stewart’s absence is a significant blow for a Pistons team already navigating lineup instability. Known for his physicality, defensive toughness, and emotional edge, Stewart has long walked the fine line between intensity and discipline — a balance that once again came under scrutiny with this ruling.

Detroit will now need to reshuffle its frontcourt rotation for an extended stretch as Stewart serves one of the longest suspensions of his NBA career.

For better or worse, Isaiah Stewart’s reputation continues to follow him, and the league made it clear this time that prior incidents mattered when determining punishment.
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February 11, 2026
Hornets’ variability spotlighted on trip: ‘We can beat any team in the NBA’

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Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets.

Jacob Kupferman

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Anticipating the potential of the feat happening during a lengthy road trip, Miles Bridges was asked about climbing the statistical charts of the Charlotte Hornets.

Bridges was closing in on moving past Larry Johnson and Gerald Wallace to trail only Kemba Walker and Dell Curry on the franchise’s all-time scoring list, something that became reality in Sunday night’s 110-87 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.

“That means a lot at the same time because those guys put in hard work, and they actually made the playoffs here,” Bridges said. “So, that just shows my loyalty to this team and their loyalty to me. That’s big for me. I just want to continue to keep climbing up the ranks, but at the same time, I want to help us win.”

Bridges, who needed just one point entering the night to slide into third place among Hornets scorers, did just that against Denver. He surpassed Wallace early in the first quarter, reaching the 7,438-point mark with a swooping, spinning layup.

Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets. Jacob Kupferman Getty Images

“It means a lot,” Bridges said after the game. “Coming where I come from, not a lot of people get to accomplish their dreams. I’m still doing that still playing at a high level and I thank God for that and I thank my teammates and my coaches for believing in me.”

Bridges’ milestone came at the end of a lengthy road trip for the Hornets (16-27) that spanned nine days and concluded at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The team quickly put a loss to Golden State on the back burner and mashed their foots on the Nuggets’ necks early, never trailing a team that was without injured star Nikola Jokić.

“From jump street, it was great to see the defensive physicality, the intention to have each other’s back was huge,” coach Charles Lee said. “You could see it early in the game. The connected defense was there. … Finishing possessions as a group was really good.

“And I thought that offensively, we did a great job of playing a little bit more together. And I’m really proud of the group for finishing the road trip on a high note.”

It was a trek chock-full of lessons learned for the Hornets. How specifically?

“I think that one of the things that I have talked to our staff about is just how I think we’ve gotten better and better as this road trip has gone on,” Lee said. “It just shows the level of maturity that I think that our group has right now. The level of being obsessed with daily improvement, at the end of the day. We have taken advantage of every game that we’ve had out here, but also every day, every practice day that we’ve had as well.”

As for a synopsis of their excursion traversing the Mountain and Pacific time zones, Lee noted the up-and-down nature of his team that included a rough outing against Golden State preceding the date with Denver.

“Starting with a really good win in Utah, then tough loss in L.A. versus the Clippers,” he said. “I thought that we learned from some of the things that happened in that game. And then we were a lot better versus the Lakers. And then not great (Saturday) night, but even not playing great from a tactical standpoint, it was a 3-point game. And then obviously Draymond Green hit that corner three.

“So, really proud of the group. … Our group is still competing their tails off.”

In a nutshell, the road trip fully embodies the Hornets inconsistencies, adding to a pattern that’s become even more noticeable over the course of the past two weeks given who’ve they’ve played.

This latest stretch all came on the heels of following up one of the best wins — not just of the season, but statistically in franchise history — in Oklahoma City with that pair of duds at home against Toronto and Indiana.

Handling adversity and success is a work in progress for the Hornets.

“I think that they all have a level of humble confidence and understanding that we are a good team and when we play the way that we need to play on both ends of the floor, we can beat any team in the NBA,” Lee said. “But we also have to have that humility that when we don’t play as hard as we need to, or we don’t play as together as we need to, or we don’t lock in on the things that are important for winning games, then we can be beat.

“I think that this group just has a great sense of what that looks like.”

Up next

After a couple of days off, the Hornets host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night in Charlotte’s only nationally-televised game on ESPN this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Roderick Boone

The Charlotte Observer

Roderick Boone joined the Observer in September 2021 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and NBA. In his more than two decades of writing about the world of sports, he’s chronicled everything from high school rodeo to a major league baseball no-hitter to the Super Bowl to the Finals. The Long Island native has deep North Carolina roots and enjoys watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” endlessly.
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January 18, 2026
Why LaMelo Ball came off bench in Hornets’ loss to Steph Curry-led Golden State

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LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets looks to shoot the ball against Buddy Hield of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center.

Lachlan Cunningham

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LaMelo Ball registered another stint as a reserve.

This time around, it came on the front end of a back-to-back.

Instead of starting in Saturday night’s 136-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, the Charlotte Hornets’ star guard came off the bench for the second time this season, still keeping in tune with the staff’s attempt to maximize his availability in the fourth quarter.

Just over a week ago, when the Hornets first unveiled the idea of Ball not being in the game-opening lineup on consecutive nights, he didn’t start on the tail end against Indiana after being in his customary starting spot when they hosted Toronto 24 hours earlier.

With the Hornets taking on Denver on Sunday to conclude a lengthy nine-day, five-game road trip, coach Charles Lee elected to switch up the rotation and had Sion James open things in the backcourt alongside Brandon Miller. Ball posted 15 points to go with four rebounds and a pair of assists in 21 minutes, but there wasn’t much of a need for him in crunch time versus Golden State because the Hornets couldn’t keep pace with the Warriors.

Ball’s buddy, Miles Bridges, inched closer to climbing up the franchise ladder in a key category.

Bridges moved into a tie with Gerald Wallace for third place on the Hornets’ all-time scoring list. Bridges’ nine-point effort against the Warriors (24-19) left him at 7,437.

He still has a ways to go, though, before reaching second place thanks to the 9,839 points Dell Curry posted in his 10 seasons in purple and teal.

“Very proud for what Miles has been able to accomplish,” Lee said. “Obviously, some of it was before I got here, but it’s just testament to his availability, his durability, playing in so many games. Being able to have consistent effort, being able to have consistent production from a scoring standpoint … I’ve seen him grow.”

Head coach Charles Lee of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during a timeout during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Lachlan Cunningham Getty Images

In more than one area. It’s been noticeable for Lee.

“We talk about his vocal leadership,” Lee said, “but I think even for him, he’s had to take at times not as many play calls come his way. And I think that he is so willing to allow an extra play call to go to Brandon (Miller), or Kon (Knueppel) or to Melo. And he just plays so well off of those guys within the flow of the game without trying to force it.

“I think last year early in the year as he was trying to find his way at times, he would take a frustration shot or a shot like I haven’t touched it in a while. Common in the NBA. But I feel like he’s grown a ton with his just emotional maturity to understand what does the game need of him and what do we need of him. He’s just becoming such a well-rounded and mature scorer.”

Here’s what else of the note the Hornets (15-27) had to say in San Francisco:

On what caused the slow start:

“I think they got a lot of second-chance points,” Brandon Miller said. “I think we’ve just got to control our controllables. As far as the game and the shot making, we can’t really control that, but we control how many attempts they get, how many possessions they get and all the extra possessions. So, controlling that would be good.”

On Brandon Miller’s growth:

“He’s made huge (gains) this year,” Lee said. “And two things come to mind. No. 1, his mindset. Wanting to become an elite two-way player. I feel like he has said that more and more this year and he’s actually really embracing it, and he’s actually having the actions behind it to show how badly he wants to do that. And the second thing is just his overall strength and physicality.

I think that that was a thing for him last year, especially when Melo and Miles were out. He had to take on a huge offensive load, I think he was getting the best defender and at times played well. Just the physicality of the game, when you have the best defender on you, kind of wore on him.

So this summer, it was a point of emphasis for him to get a little bit stronger to combat the physicality. … We’re seeing it more and more. On the defensive end I’m seeing him be more physical taking on some of the best players.”

On LaMelo Ball balancing playing on ball and of the ball:

“The word balance is really important,” Lee said. “I think any really good offense probably has a lot of balance in terms of who you are playing through and what kind of actions you are playing out of. But I think Melo’s done a great job of getting into the open court. He’s looking to be aggressive, and his head is always up and he’s looking for a Brandon (Miller) lob, he’s looking for a Miles (Bridges) lob, he’s looking for a Kon (Knueppel) early 3.

“He’s really done a great job of having the balance in the open court. And I think in transition, he understands in the halfcourt set when his number is called he can make some things happen. But he’s done a really good job of facilitating and finding that balance of when he needs to score and kind of understanding where the game is, too, and what we need out of him.”

Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball against Quinten Post of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center. Lachlan Cunningham Getty Images

On what has improved in crunch time lately:

“The first thing that I’ve noticed from our group,” Lee said, “is defensively they’ve grown a lot and just gained a better understanding about the flow of the game, who’s got it going, what plays that they’ve been running. I’ve just realized that the heightened sense of awareness has definitely been raised with our group. It’s really good to see. The communication from the group continues to get better on that end, too.

“Just finishing possessions I see a physicality that might not have been there consistently at the beginning of the year. We understand the importance of trying to finish with urgent contests. … Offensively, our execution continues to get better down the stretch. We have to continue to grow in that area. But I do think we are taking positive steps forward.”

Roderick Boone

The Charlotte Observer

Roderick Boone joined the Observer in September 2021 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and NBA. In his more than two decades of writing about the world of sports, he’s chronicled everything from high school rodeo to a major league baseball no-hitter to the Super Bowl to the Finals. The Long Island native has deep North Carolina roots and enjoys watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” endlessly.
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Roderick Boone

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January 17, 2026
Miles Bridges moves up on franchise ladder during Hornets’ win over Chicago Bulls

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Jogging Charles Lee’s memory in Chicago wasn’t necessary.

“I will not forget the 80 points in the paint they scored against us back in Charlotte,” the Charlotte Hornets coach said just before tipoff Saturday. “So, I hope we can lighten that up.”

He got his wish.

Unlike their December meeting with the Chicago Bulls, the Hornets didn’t yield an exhaustive amount of easy points this time around. That was among the keys in their 112-99 win over Chicago at United Center.

“That just shows growth,” Miles Bridges said. “Earlier in the year we wouldn’t have been able to do that. But we are learning as we go. We’ve got guys that want to win, and when you’ve got guys that want to win, it’s easy to compete.”

The Hornets did it despite being extremely shorthanded on the interior.

Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets in action. Sarah Stier Getty Images

Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate were once again unavailable, and Tidjane Salaün joined on the injured list thanks to a sore left ankle, leaving the Hornets thin on the front line.

But at least they dodged another potential injury.

The Hornets got a scare early in the third quarter when star guard LaMelo Ball collided with Chicago’s Jalen Smith while trying to come behind for a potential steal along the baseline, instead knocking heads with Smith. Ball lay on the court for about a minute to gather himself and didn’t see any extra assistance while Smith was forced to exit and went to the locker room to get checked out for a concussion.

Coincidentally, all this came on a night when Bridges etched his name into the franchise record books for durability. Bridges, who paced the Hornets with 26 points, surpassed Bismack Biyombo for the fifth-most games played (458), which is why he also ranks among the top five in franchise lore in total points, rebounds, defensive rebounds, made field goals and 3-pointers.

What’s Lee learned most about Bridges?

“How available he is all the time,” Lee said. “I think it’s been really impressive to work with Miles. I’ve loved everything that he obviously gives to his teammates, but what he gives to the coaching as well. We’re constantly learning from him.

“Him wanting to play through a tweaked ankle, through any type of bumps or bruises that he has, our guys feed off of that. And so it’s been really inspiring to see him out there on a night-to-night basis.”

Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball battles for a rebound with Chicago’s Matas Buzelis during Saturday’s first half at the United Center. Geoff Stellfox Getty Images

Then, there’s also what Bridges brings on the other end of the floor.

“He takes on wanting to guard the best player on the other team,” Lee said. “The open-mindedness and willingness to do whatever he can to impact the offensive end is amazing.”

Here’s what else the Hornets (12-23) had to say in Chicago:

On where they can steal energy on games during consecutive nights:

“I think, No. 1, just defensively would help us if we could get a couple of more stops,” Lee said. “I’ve noticed with our group whenever we are starting with stops it puts our offense in such a better spot. The pass aheads, the passing across, the three-man actions, we are able to get to it a little more seamlessly, and it doesn’t allow the defense to be set.”

On what’s been behind recent statistical improvement defensively:

“The area I’ve noticed a lot of growth,” Lee said, “especially statistically and with my eyes and our eyes as a staff, we’ve defended without fouling, and we’ve done a much better job there. And trying to just make people hit tough shots on us and not allow them to get to the free-throw line.

Chicago’s Ayo Dosunmu drives past Charlotte’s Sion James during Saturday’s first half at the United Center. Geoff Stellfox Getty Images

“Whether we’ve had a full roster or not a full roster, defensive rebounding I think is something that has been another area where we’ve been pretty solid throughout the whole year, which I just think shows a great mindset, that you want to compete, that you want to be physical. Because that’s the one thing that’s imperfect. You can’t always say where everybody is going to be or where the ball is going to go, but our guys are focused on finishing possessions.”

On what the message has been defensively:

“I just talked to them recently about transition and there’s been a great next-play mentality from everyone,” Lee said. “We’ve had some phenomenal occupying second-contests is what we like to call them. Instead of letting a guy score a layup, can I do something as the on-ball defender to make him have to Eurostep or slow down or decelerate and then everybody else is coming into the play, and we are getting blocks and it’s a great multiple effort mindset. It would be nice if some of those teams would miss some 3s that we are getting out and contesting.”

On how Tidjane Salaün is taking the next step:

“Those minutes (in Greensboro with the Swarm) allowed him to find confidence even when things don’t go well,” Lee said. “So, now when he comes into games, even when things don’t go well, I see that confidence levels still remaining high. Whereas before he went to the Swarm, if something didn’t go his way, I think he would start to get down, like, ‘Ah, if I’m doing what I need to do defensively, am I not capable of doing something?’

“Same thing offensively. He would second-guess what he was supposed to do. But I think that those reps, that continued conversation helped give him the confidence he needs. Young players even as older adults, just having more reps, more preparation beforehand allows you to go to your game and feel a lot more confident. I think that he’s earned the confidence from his teammates, too.”

This story was originally published January 3, 2026 at 10:53 PM.

Roderick Boone

The Charlotte Observer

Roderick Boone joined the Observer in September 2021 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and NBA. In his more than two decades of writing about the world of sports, he’s chronicled everything from high school rodeo to a major league baseball no-hitter to the Super Bowl to the Finals. The Long Island native has deep North Carolina roots and enjoys watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” endlessly.
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January 3, 2026
Hornets’ historic lineup can’t get going vs. Orlando

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Tipoff was roughly 90 minutes away, so Charles Lee’s latest secret maneuver hadn’t been publicly revealed just yet.

Instead, when the Charlotte Hornets coach got asked about the recent rise in rotational minutes for Sion James over the course of the season’s initial week, he glowingly opened up in discussing the rookie guard.

“Sion’s done a great job of developing his game, learning how we want to play on both ends of the court,” Lee said. “He stood out to us, obviously, early in pre-draft and going to evaluate him in our front office. And so there’s always been something there with Sion. I think that his physicality defensively has been really impressive, but he’s earned an opportunity.”

After serving as a reserve for the initial four games of his career, James apparently was deemed worthy of an even bigger break. He started in the Hornets’ backcourt alongside star LaMelo Ball in their 123-107 loss to the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on Thursday night, helping establish a little history in the process.

In joining fellow draft class members Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner in the game-opening unit, it marked the first time the Hornets have ever started three rookies in a regular-season game.

“Yeah, it’s awesome,” James said. “We’ve talked about how we get to go through this experience together. It’s awesome sharing the floor together. At one point, all four of us were on the floor together, which is really cool for us to see. And we’re just really trying to grow.

“We’re thankful for the position that we’re in, and we’re just trying to do the best for ourselves and for the organization.”

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges, center, sits on the team’s bench dejected in the final moments of action against the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 30, 2025. The Magic defeated the Hornets 123-107. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

James’ insertion into the starting lineup couldn’t spur the Hornets (2-3) past the Magic, despite Orlando being on a back-to-back and shorthanded without Jalen Suggs and Mo Wagner. A sluggish opening quarter paired with an inability to get up into the Magic defensively doomed Charlotte.

Factor in an off night from Miles Bridges, who didn’t get it going until late and tossed in 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting, and a modest performance from Ball by his lofty standards — 17 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds — and the Hornets began their three-game home stand in disappointing fashion by trailing wire to wire against Orlando (2-4).

“Yeah, I think that we definitely didn’t have that extra gear that we had been playing with the last few games,” Lee said. “I don’t know coming off that road trip or what it is, but we’ve got to be able to find that juice. And I think that it starts with being able to get stops. And when we get stops, we’re usually out in transition and playing with the pass and playing confidently.

“So, I think that, again, we’ve got to get more stops to be able to play with the pass pace that we want to play with.”

About the only thing this one will be remembered for centers around James.

James, who totaled eight points and four rebounds in 27 minutes against the Magic, quickly carved out an early-season rotation spot with activity on both ends of the court, high basketball IQ and sustained effort, catching the staff’s eye almost immediately.

The Hornets knew they had something in the hard-working Georgia native who slid into the national spotlight thanks to his one season at Duke teamed with Knueppel, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg & Co.

“It’s been fun to watch, and I think his teammates have kind of helped bring him along as well,” Lee said. “And so I don’t think there was a certain point — I just think it was really an evolution and an earning of an opportunity throughout all the competitiveness we had during training camp and preseason, and seeing how he can just add to a group because he doesn’t need the ball necessarily.

“He can play beside anybody. He’s going to play defense, he’s going to offensive rebound, he’s going to help connect the whole group. So, love that about him. And I think that it’s a good asset to our group.”

Here are some takeaways from the Hornets’ latest outing:

Costly defensive woes

Scanning the score by quarter along with the Magic’s shooting percentage beyond the arc in the first half tells you all you need to know about this one. Orlando topped 30 points in all but one quarter and sank 47.4% of its 3-point attempts in the first half alone.

“In general our defensive execution was not good enough,” Lee said. “To come off of last game and start the game with a 38-point first quarter and a 33-point second quarter, especially with the points of emphasis being taking care of the paint, defending without fouling, second-chance points … it felt like those reared their heads too much in that first half.

Charlotte Hornets guard Sion James, left, is hugged by injured guard Brandon Miller prior to the team’s game against the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 30, 2025. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

“And then I thought that we actually found a little bit of a groove defensively in some other areas and credit some of their guys that haven’t been shooting it well shot it decently tonight. So, we will definitely hit the drawing board and get back to practice and keep working on our defensive end intensity and purpose.”

The Hornets let the Magic push them around. And they know it’s unacceptable.

“We just weren’t physical enough, honestly,” James said. “They’re a big, physical team, one of the most physical in the league, and in stretches we matched and exceeded it. And those are the stretches where we were able to get stops and get quick baskets on the other end.

“But a lot of the time, they were out-physicaling us and that’s how we gave up 38 in the first quarter, 33 in the second quarter.”

Tre Mann’s slow start

Take a peek at the Hornets’ leading scorers entering the night and one name is lower than expected, leaving more than a few people wondering what’s going on.

Tre Mann ranked ninth in scoring on the team at six points per game through the Hornets’ first four contests and had topped double digits only once this season. He also got held scoreless in Sunday’s win in Washington, and shot 24.6% overall from the floor and 22.2% through four games.

Mann posted nine points against the Magic, failing to reach double figures once again. Still, Lee is sure Mann will return to form soon.

“Yeah, always going to remain confident in Tre and everyone in that locker room,” Lee said. “I watch how hard they work, how much they care. My confidence will never waver with him or anybody else. I think that he’s just trying to find his way again. You missed some games and still just trying to find that rhythm. But I’ve actually seen progress from game to game.

“I’ve seen him find his defensive impact, like trying to get into the ball a little bit more, trying to have a little bit more shift activity. Offensively, I think he’s becoming a little bit more decisive. Saw him knock down two threes against Miami that I thought were just kind of catch-and-shoot, and be ready and let it fly. And then also in pick-and-roll situations, just recognizing some unders and where to pass and when to pass. You miss some time, new style of play, it takes a little bit of time. But I have full confidence in Tre to be able to get back to ‘Tricky Tre.’”

Kon Knueppel is more than a shooter

To say Knueppel is off to a good start is an understatement.

He is atop this season’s rookie leaderboard in made 3-pointers (17) and entered the matchup with Orlando ranked fifth in the NBA in 3-pointers knocked down. He’s connected on more shots beyond the arc through four games than anyone in NBA history, and is also the lone player in league history to make five or more 3-pointers in two of his first four career games.

But that’s not what’s jumping out to Lee. It’s what’s transpiring on the other side of the floor.

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, left, loses control of the ball as Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner applies defensive pressure during action at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 30, 2025. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

“I think that his understanding of personnel and tendencies has already been pretty impressive for a first-year player,” Lee said. “I think he takes the time to study and watch film, and he and his position or primary skills coach do a really good job of working on techniques as well — slide steps and how to steer.

“And he’s a quick learner. He’s got a really high basketball IQ, really good feel and then his overall just competitive nature makes him want to embrace whatever challenge comes his way defensively.”

Roderick Boone

The Charlotte Observer

Roderick Boone joined the Observer in September 2021 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and NBA. In his more than two decades of writing about the world of sports, he’s chronicled everything from high school rodeo to a major league baseball no-hitter to the Super Bowl to the Finals. The Long Island native has deep North Carolina roots and enjoys watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” endlessly.
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Roderick Boone

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October 30, 2025
With NBA trade deadline past, what is Miles Bridges’ future with the Charlotte Hornets?

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Milwaukee

Deep breathing exercises weren’t necessary. Neither was meditation.

But there’s a piece of Miles Bridges that’s extremely happy the past few weeks are finally over and the NBA trade deadline has passed, suppressing any anxiety and allowing the Charlotte Hornets forward to put the whole ordeal behind him.

“Yeah, for sure,” said Bridges, who posted 11 points and five rebounds in the Hornets’ 120-84 loss to Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum on Friday night. “This was my first year dealing with all that. Me, I’m happy so I can just focus on the season and focus on trying to get us some wins.”

They’ve been scarce lately, though. The Hornets have lost 10 consecutive games and their inability to string victories together, coupled with an inordinate amount of injuries, led to the team being broken up, with some of the highest-paid players getting sent out of town.

Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington were the latest, joining Terry Rozier on the departure train. Newcomers Grant Williams, Seth Curry, Tre Mann, Dāvis Bertāns, and Vasilije Micić are expected to make their debuts Saturday when the Hornets host Memphis, marking the first true game in Charlotte in nearly four years without Hayward or Washington on the roster.

“I’m just happy for those guys going to great situations,” Bridges said. “Gordon going to OKC, the No. 1 team in the West and PJ going to Dallas, his hometown. They’re a playoff team, so I’m happy for those guys and I wish nothing but the best for them. And I’m happy with the people we got back.

“We got great pieces. Grant Williams is a winning player, Tre Mann is a good point guard. Mikic, he played against us. I liked his game. I like Bertāns, he’s a knockdown shooter. Seth Curry is a knockdown shooter. So, we’ve got a lot of great pieces back and winning players. So, hopefully I can learn from them a little bit and keep the season going.”

Expect an educational experience for everyone over the coming weeks and months. A feeling-out process is a given because there will be a definite adjustment period. It’ll be a crash course through the All-Star break until they have some time to go over things in walkthroughs, game-day shootarounds, film sessions and light practices.

“Trying to figure out who’s where,” coach Steve Clifford said. “And it’s not only where they are at mentally. It’s where they are physically, guys that haven’t been playing a lot, where they are in terms of their conditioning, their rhythm with their games. We are going to have some guys coming in who haven’t been playing at all. So, you’ve got to do it in a way that they can play well. It’s better for them and better for the team, so all that’s part of it, too.”

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Michael McLoone USA TODAY NETWORK

At least Clifford still has Bridges around to assist with the transition and make it as easy as possible for Williams, Curry, Mann and the rest of the players embarking on a new situation. With the rumor mill churning non-stop during the days leading up to the deadline, some outsiders were convinced Bridges was on his way out of town.

But that all got cleared up early Thursday when his agent, Rich Paul, made it publicly known Bridges had zero plans of waiving his no-trade clause, exercising the power that came with his one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer. Bridges’ play made him a hot commodity — he’s averaging 21.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game — and had some taking notice.

He’s also been key in Brandon Miller’s growth of late.

“I think one thing about Miles, he brings it every night,” Miller said. “I’ve been saying he’s a dog, so a hit dog’s going to bring it every night. Same energy, intensity. I think Miles would put him in the part of being my vet, keeping my confidence high to take shots, tough shots in the fourth quarter.

“I think it’s just a confidence thing with me and Miles, and he’s definitely one of the guys that builds my confidence the most.”

Bridges will be an unrestricted free agent in July and is in line for a lucrative pay day if the current trajectory continues.

“I feel comfortable saying Miles has been with us, we drafted him and he’s certainly having a great year, getting better and better as the season goes along,” Kupchak said. “And I don’t see why we wouldn’t want him to be a part of this team for a long, long time.”

That’s music to Bridges’ ears. He’s all in on joining forces with Miller, LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams to turn this franchise around, helping pull it out of constant mediocrity and transforming it into a perennial winner.

“Yeah, like I said I would love to be here long term,” Bridges said. “I feel like if we had our full team we would have already been a playoff team and then we wouldn’t even be having these talks. So, we’ve just got to get our guys back and I’m excited to be here.”

Roderick Boone joined the Observer in September 2021 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and NBA. In his more than two decades of writing about the world of sports, he’s chronicled everything from high school rodeo to a major league baseball no-hitter to the Super Bowl to the Finals. The Long Island native has deep North Carolina roots and enjoys watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” endlessly.
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Roderick Boone

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February 9, 2024
Hornets’ Miles Bridges to have ‘significant role right away’ after brutal domestic violence allegations

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Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford says high-flying forward Miles Bridges will “have a significant role right away” when he returns to the team on Friday following the completion of his 30-game suspension for domestic violence charges in Nov. 2022.

“I think he’ll be ready to play. He’s in practice every day. So he’s been well organized when he’s there,” Clifford said ahead of tipoff against the Knicks on Sunday. “He’s in really good shape. He’s worked hard. I’ll be honest, we’ve been playing every other day.

Clifford said he hasn’t given much thought to how he’ll manage Bridges’ minutes in his first game of the season.

“That’s under worry about tomorrow’s problems tomorrow,” he said. “Right now our problems are: we don’t run back on defense, we don’t block out all the time, so I’ve been spending all my time on that.

“But he [Bridges] will have a significant role right away.”

Bridges was arrested in June, 2022 for assaulting the mother of his children while his kids were present. He was released after posting a $30,000 bond and formally charged with one felony count of causing harm to a parent of a child and two felony counts of child abuse. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges at an arraignment the following day in July, 2022.

In Nov. 2022, Bridges changed his plea to no-contest on the felony charge of injuring a child’s parent. The other two felony charges were dropped, and Bridges was sentenced to three years of probation and no jail time.

In April 2023, the NBA suspended Bridges for 30 games without pay, 20 games being considered as suspension time served. He is set to rejoin the Hornets for Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Charlotte. He is expected to be available when the Knicks visit the Hornets on Nov. 18.

In July, Bridges issued an apology.

“I want to apologize to everybody for the pain and embarrassment that I have caused everyone, especially my family,” he said. “This year away I’ve used to prioritize going to therapy and becoming the best person I can be — someone that my family and everyone here can be proud of.

“A lot of people don’t get a second chance, and I want to use this second chance to prove to everyone that I’m the same kid you drafted five years ago.”

Yet Bridges remained in headlines at the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.

In October, a criminal summons was issued for an alleged violation of the protective order against the mother of his children. Bridges is also charged with child abuse and damage to personal property after allegedly throwing pool balls, smashing the windshields and denting his ex-girlfriend’s car while his children were inside.

He is also accused of threatening to withhold child support from the mother of his children if she were to report his actions to the police.

Bridges surrendered to the police in mid-October after an arrest warrant was served and was released on $1,000 bond.

He emerged as a fringe All-Star in the East, averaging 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game in the 2021-22 season but his legal issues impact him far beyond the basketball court. Bridges was in line for a hefty payday but signed a $7.9 million qualifying offer that allows him to enter unrestricted free agency next summer.

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Kristian Winfield

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November 12, 2023