Charlotte Hornets Playing Free, Confident Basketball 

The Charlotte Hornets are doing precisely what a solid team should: beating the teams they’re expected to beat. By winning these early-season matchups, the Hornets are showing glimpses of this roster’s potential.

In their two victories, Charlotte is averaging 137.5 points per game. Their three-point shooting has also caught up to Charles Lee’s pace-and-space vision, hitting 41.4% from beyond the arc this season, up from 33.9% last season.

Overall, the roster is gelling early. The question now: can the Hornets sustain this performance, and what has been driving their early success?

All Eyes on LaMelo

Coming into the season, much of the conversation around the Hornets centered on LaMelo Ball — his health, his leadership, and whether he could elevate this roster. So far, he’s answered with authority.

Through three games, Ball is averaging 28.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.7 assists, showing why he’s a top-ten point guard when healthy. Even more impressive, he’s shooting 48.3% from the field and 41.9% from three. His balance of scoring and playmaking has fueled Charlotte’s fast-paced offense and given the team early confidence under Lee.

Expectations Met

There’s never been any doubt about Collin Sexton’s scoring ability — he’s been a proven bucket-getter since entering the league. This season, he’s picking up right where he left off.

Averaging 18.7 points per game, Sexton ranks third on the team in scoring. His aggressiveness and confidence mesh seamlessly with Ball’s poise and creativity. It’s still early, but if this version of Sexton continues, the Hornets could force some surprising conversations about their ceiling.

All For One

Beyond Ball and Sexton, five other Hornets are averaging double figures. When called upon, they’ve stepped up. Championship-level teams rely on collective production, not just star power — and early on, Charlotte is getting exactly that.

The biggest surprise has been the center rotation. Once viewed as the roster’s weakest link, it’s quickly becoming a strength. Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabaté have brought energy, toughness, and interior presence. Together, they’re averaging 19.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks — not star numbers, but exactly what the Hornets need to stay balanced and competitive.

No Pressure, Just Basketball

The Hornets are also benefiting from playing without heavy expectations. With few predicting playoff success, Charlotte has the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and grow without external pressure. That lack of tension has translated to a looser, more confident style of play. Players are moving the ball, taking open shots, and trusting the system rather than forcing plays. It’s the kind of freedom that allows young teams to discover who they are — and right now, the Hornets are embracing it.

In Conclusion

The Charlotte Hornets are starting to look like a team with direction. They’re playing fast, sharing the ball, and trusting one another — all signs of growth under Charles Lee.

LaMelo Ball is leading like a star, Collin Sexton is delivering as expected, and the supporting cast is holding up its end. The Hornets may not be ready to challenge the league’s elite just yet, but their early performances suggest something real is building in Charlotte.

If this level of chemistry and effort continues, the Hornets won’t just be beating the teams they’re supposed to — they’ll start surprising a few they aren’t.