Charlotte Hornets struggle as Thunder rookies shine in preseason opener
The Charlotte Hornets kicked off their preseason in Charleston, South Carolina, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, who showcased a mix of veterans and impressive newcomers. As the Hornets sought to shake off a long offseason, they were met with a resounding defeat that highlighted both their potential and persistent weaknesses.
Sexton’s Impact on Offense
Collin Sexton, the newly acquired veteran combo guard, provided a glimmer of hope for Charlotte’s offense. Last season, the team struggled to penetrate defenses, but Sexton’s aggressive style brought a different dynamic to the game.
In his 17 minutes off the bench, Sexton tallied 11 points and two assists. While the stat line might seem modest, his ability to apply pressure on the rim opened up opportunities for his teammates. He consistently attacked the paint, either finding shooters on the perimeter or drawing fouls—something the Hornets desperately needed last season. Sexton finished a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, a testament to his ability to create scoring opportunities. If he continues to come off the bench, his style of play could complement Tre Mann’s shooting skills, creating a balanced offensive unit.
Kon Knueppel’s Promising Debut
Rookie Kon Knueppel made an immediate impact, starting at small forward and finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 18 points over 23 minutes. His willingness to take shots from beyond the arc was evident, as he connected on four of his ten three-point attempts.
More impressive than his shooting was Knueppel’s ability to score inside. He displayed a variety of moves, utilizing pump fakes and drop steps to navigate through defenders with an impressive blend of craftiness and maturity. Critics had questioned his athleticism, but his skill set was on full display, proving he can contribute at the NBA level despite not being the most physically explosive player on the court.
Defensive Struggles Persist
Unfortunately for the Hornets, their defensive woes continued to haunt them. While they occasionally disrupted the Thunder’s offensive rhythm with active hands and deflections, they failed to maintain consistency. Oklahoma City capitalized on Charlotte’s over-aggression, frequently exploiting backdoor cuts and finding open looks.
The Thunder’s perimeter shooting was particularly lethal, as they drained 20 of 49 three-point attempts throughout the night. Rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner faced challenges defending stretch five Jaylin Williams, raising concerns about his fit in the lineup moving forward. Charlotte’s defensive strategy—allowing poor shooters to take long jumpers—backfired against Williams, who consistently punished them from deep, casting doubt on Kalkbrenner’s role in the upcoming season.
As the Hornets look to refine their game ahead of the regular season, this preseason opener against the Thunder served as a stark reminder of both the potential within their roster and the challenges that remain. The journey to build a competitive team continues, with much work still to be done before the games count for real.
