Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner. Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

Hornets produce several notable feats in big win over Nets

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 11:29 AM ET

If you're a fan of the Charlotte Hornets, Wednesday night took you to another level of excitement after watching the offseason, NBA draft and Summer League Championship play out.

Charlotte took care of business Wednesday in its opening game to the tune of a 136-117 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The win for the Hornets was their fifth straight opening night win, and the 136 points were the most in a season opener in franchise history.

Everybody gets points

Wednesday's win saw a franchise record nine players score in double figures, headlined by Brandon Miller (25 points) and LaMelo Ball (20 points). There were also contributions from rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, both of whom got the starting nod and helped the Hornets join rare NBA company in the process.

list of players with 10+ points tn:

miles bridges
brandon miller
ryan kalkbrenner
lamelo ball

...keep going...

kon knueppel
moussa diabate
tidjane salaun

....yes, keep going...

collin sexton
tre mann
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 23, 2025

Joining rare company

According to Charlotte Hornets PR, Charlotte became the first team since 2019 to have two rookies in its opening night starting lineup and win the game.

Knueppel scored 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, while Kalkbrenner scored 10 points and collected 11 rebounds, good for the first double-double of his NBA career. Kalkbrenner's is now the 81st player in NBA history to post a double-double in his first career game.

Bright future ahead?

While it is just one game into the season, Charlotte's top two rookies looked more than capable of performing with some of the best players in the world. Continued contributions from Knueppel, Kalkbrenner and the rest of the rookie class could have Charlotte back in the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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