Apr 11, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee reacts to game action during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

'That’s Winning Basketball' – Charlotte Hornets Rookies Dish on the Team’s Complete Performance in Win Vs. Brooklyn Nets

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 7:07 AM ET

The Charlotte Hornets kicked off their 2025-26 NBA campaign with a 136-117 win over the Brooklyn Nets at the newly renovated Spectrum Center, causing their home fans to (maybe) believe that they’re on a path to building something special.

What stood out in this game is that a record nine Charlotte Hornets players scored in double digits. Brandon Miller led the way with 25 points. LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Collin Sexton, Moussa Diabate, Tre Mann, Kon Knueppel, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Tidjane Salaun added 20, 18, 15, 13, 12, 11, 10, and 10 points.

“Everybody ate,” Knueppel said via Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. “Everybody is playing unselfishly. How many guys did we have? Nine? That’s winning basketball. That’s how it’s supposed to be played. So, hopefully we can keep that going.”

“It’s awesome. I think both of us have a good attitude about it. We’re just going to make the most of the opportunity that we get. Whether it’s starting, coming off the bench, whatever,” Kalkbrenner said. “We were lucky enough to get the experience to start tonight. I think I can say it for Kon, but definitely for myself, that we’re just happy to help the team win.”

Charlotte Hornets News: Charles Lee gives props to his rookies

Records were broken during the win against the Brooklyn Nets last night. As pointed out by The Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte Hornets are the first team since 2019 to start two rookies on opening night and win. Ryan Kalkbrenner also became the second rookie in franchise history to notch a double-double in his NBA debut alongside Emeka Okafor.

“It’s cool when you get your first NBA victory, especially to do it here at Spectrum in front of our great fans,” Lee said, “And so they made an impact from Day 1 just with their work ethic and who they are as people.”

“The (rookies) that hooped, there was a competitive spirit to all three of them. Offensive rebounds, Ryan blocking shots at the rim, Sion (James) being the elite connector that he is in terms of rebounding and pushing and guarding. So, it was a great learning experience for all three, and I’m not surprised by the impact that they had because they’ve earned that opportunity to be out there,” he concluded.