The Hornets offense exploded to beat the Brooklyn Nets. Kon Knueppel explains why it all went so well in the Hornets opener.

Very few Charlotte Hornets fans expected 17 minutes from rookie Sion James on opening night, but the former Duke stud proved worthy of th opportunity.

There was a packed house at Spectrum Center in uptown Wednesday night as Charlotte begins its 2025-26 season in the win column.

Former NBA player and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones were also arrested by the FBI as part of the gambling probe. Jones played for 10 different teams during his NBA career, including with the Heat during the 2004-05 season.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/hornets as Rookie report card: Hornets' youngsters pass the first test with flying colors.

Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner combined for 21 points and 16 rebounds in Wednesday night’s 136-117 victory.

Here's what you need to know to get ready for the Brooklyn Nets' season-opening matchup at the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Saraf and Drake Powell were the other two Nets rookies to make their debut with Danny Wolf out. Saraf put up eight points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Powell would record one basket in seven minutes before going down with an apparent ankle injury.