Hornets Show Depth Without LaMelo Ball
Last night, the Charlotte Hornets faced the Bucks without their franchise star LaMelo Ball, yet they delivered one of their most balanced team performances of the season. Instead of collapsing without their primary creator, Charlotte found new sources of leadership, scoring and defensive presence across their roster.
Rookie Kon Knueppel (No. 4 draft pick) currently sits at the top of the KIA Rookie of the Year Ladder, showing his strong and consistent start to the season. He posted 16 points and 6 rebounds, once again showing poise beyond his years. With Cedric Coward second in the rookie rankings and his Duke teammate Cooper Flagg third, Knueppel’s rise is becoming one of the early-season storylines.
Bridges and Sexton Step Into Hornets Void
Without LaMelo, someone needed to become the offensive engine. Miles Bridges filled that role with a complete performance:
- 20 points
- 6 assists
- 6 rebounds
He led possessions, orchestrated the offence, and looked like the heartbeat of the team on both ends.
New singing Collin Sexton matched that energy. He contributed 16 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, giving Charlotte a second playmaker they desperately needed in Ball’s absence. His ability to pressure the rim and create for others showed why the Hornets moved quickly to bring him in.
Together, Bridges and Sexton provided the leadership and shot creation that usually flows through LaMelo.
Hornets Young Core Show Its Ceiling
In addition to Kon Knueppel’s dominant performance, more of Charlotte’s young talent shone through.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, the 7’1, 34th overall pick, was outstanding. He delivered one of the most efficient performances of the night, shooting 100% from the field for 17 points, while adding 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Charlotte clearly viewed him as a strong candidate as their long-term big man, and so far, he’s matching those standards.
Off the bench, Moussa Diabate brought defensive stability with 13 rebounds, while Tre Mann added a threat from range with 13 points, including three 3’s. Charlotte’s bench outperformed Milwaukee’s in energy, versatility and impact.
As a result, this was the kind of team win that suggests the Hornets may finally have meaningful depth, something they have lacked for years.
Bucks Fall Flat Without Giannis
Milwaukee, meanwhile, faced the same challenge: playing without their star. But their response looked very different.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, the Bucks lacked direction. While Myles Turner, Ryan Rollins and Bobby Portis stepped up with strong individual performances, the team struggled to maintain offensive flow or defensive stability.
Unlike the Hornets, the Bucks didn’t have a clear replacement for their superstar’s production. Giannis typically provides scoring, playmaking, rebounding and defensive command, and Milwaukee felt the absence of all four.
Two Teams, Two Futures?
If there was one takeaway from the game, it was this:
Charlotte demonstrated they can function without their star, whereas Milwaukee showed they still can’t.
The Hornets discovered new contributors, new lineups and new confidence. The Bucks, on the other hand, looked like a team still trying to figure out who they are when their MVP isn’t on the court.
Below you can watch the Bucks vs Hornets highlights:
