Surprise in Boston! Jordan's Hornets Revive and Challenge the Celtics

Charlotte hits the table at the Garden with a resounding victory and moves closer to the playoffs.

The summer of 2023 marked a turning point for Michael Jordan. Tired of a streak of disappointments, the legendary player gave up ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, although he retained a small stake. Now, as a minority shareholder, Jordan has reason to feel renewed pride in the franchise he acquired in 2010. Last night, in the same Boston that has been the scene of exploits for others, the Hornets put on a memorable performance.

It was precisely the Hornets who wreaked havoc at TD Garden, leaving the Celtics, once unbeatable at home, paralyzed with a final score of 89-118. Charlotte's forcefulness was evident in every play, culminating in a spectacular dunk that left Hugo González with no options.

In an image that encapsulated the authority of the North Carolina team, the 20-year-old forward witnessed the unstoppable flight of Brandon Miller. The young Hornets player, with a heavenly style that evoked '23' himself, exposed both the Celtics rookie and Derrick White.

However, the Celtics' loss cannot be attributed solely to Miller's brilliance. Hugo González, Real Madrid youth player, completed a solid game. After a rookie record of 18 points and 16 rebounds against Antetokounmpo's Bucks, the Spanish international maintained his level with 8 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist, despite 3/8 in field goals and 2/4 in triples from the bench.

Derrick White, Hugo's partner in misfortune on the dunk play, was Boston's top scorer with 29 points. Despite their efforts, the Massachusetts team had a discreet night on offense, with Jaylen Brown scoring 20 points on 7/19 shooting. For Charlotte, Kon Knueppel shined with 20 points, leading a team that has experienced an unexpected resurrection.

Since the start of the year, the Hornets boast an impressive 22-9 record. This rebound has catapulted them from an almost doomed position to a serious playoff contention. Currently, Charles Lee's team occupies ninth place with a balance of 32-31, demonstrating notable improvement.

With six consecutive victories, including the one achieved in Boston, Charlotte is in play-in positions and is beginning to glimpse the possibility of directly accessing the playoffs. The Sixers, sixth at 34-28, don't seem that far away.

Much of this success is due to Knueppel, whose impact has transformed the Hornets. The team is no longer defined solely by LaMelo Ball (who scored 18 points last night), but by the prodigious rookie shooter. Knueppel has broken the record for three-pointers scored by a rookie, reaching 212 and adding 4/8 last night from the perimeter.

Charlotte has beaten numerous teams along the way, and now appears to be getting its draft picks right. Brandon Miller, the second overall pick in 2023, is proving his worth, despite initial criticism for not drafting Scott Henderson. Time is validating the Hornets' bet, eager to return to the playoffs, something they have not achieved since 2016.

One of the architects of this transformation is Charles Lee, formerly of the Celtics. In his second season in Charlotte, Lee has assimilated the teachings of Joe Mazzulla, part of the coaching staff of the 2024 championship team.

Lee has adopted Mazzulla's three-point shooting philosophy, and his team is the second-most in the NBA in scoring per game, with 16, surpassing Boston, which is third with 15.4. Charlotte's effectiveness was notable in Boston, with 19/49 (39%) in triples, compared to 10/28 (28%) for the home team.

However, the imminent return of Jayson Tatum, which could occur on Friday against the Mavericks, is a signal for Hugo González and the Celtics to quickly turn the page. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan can enjoy a victory that, although not his own in terms of ownership, does represent a source of immense satisfaction for the Hornets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new owner of the Charlotte Hornets?

Michael Jordan ceased to be the primary owner in the summer of 2023, but still retains a small percentage of shares.

What was the result of the game between the Celtics and the Hornets?

The Charlotte Hornets beat the Boston Celtics with a score of 118-89.

Who was the Celtics' leading scorer?

Derrick White was the Celtics' leading scorer with 29 points.

Who led the Charlotte Hornets in scoring?

Kon Knueppel was the Hornets' leading scorer with 20 points.

How has the Charlotte Hornets performed recently?

The Hornets are 22-9 since the start of the year and have won their last six games.

Where are the Hornets in the standings?

They are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 32-31.

When was the last time the Hornets played in the playoffs?

The Hornets' last playoff appearance was in 2016.

What three-point record has a Hornets rookie broken?

Kon Knueppel has broken the record for three-pointers made by a rookie, reaching 212.

Who is the coach of the Charlotte Hornets?

The Hornets' coach is Charles Lee.

When could Jayson Tatum return to the court?

Jayson Tatum is expected to return Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

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