Weekly Buzz | Week two

Written By Dalton Kollar

(Oct 26–Nov 1, 2025)

Record: 1–3 ❘ Overall: 2–3

Game 1 — Oct 26 @ Washington Wizards

Final: Hornets 139 – Wizards 113

Summary:
Charlotte detonated after halftime, outscoring Washington 88–51 across the final two quarters. The offense was relentless, pushing pace and attacking transition.

Key Performers:

  • LaMelo Ball — 38 PTS • 13 REB • 13 AST (Triple-Double)

  • Miles Bridges — 25 PTS • 7 REB • 4 AST

  • Brandon Miller — 21 PTS • 5-of-9 3PT

  • Kon Knueppel — 12 PTS • 9 REB • High-energy minutes

Takeaway: Offensive explosion from start to finish — LaMelo reasserted himself as the engine of the team.

Game 2 — Oct 28 @ Miami Heat

Final: Hornets 117 – Heat 144

Summary:
Miami blew it open in the third quarter as the Hornets' defense collapsed. Despite solid first-half shooting, turnovers and foul trouble piled up.

Key Performers:

  • LaMelo Ball — 20 PTS • 9 AST • 8 REB

  • Miles Bridges — 22 PTS • 6 REB

  • Collin Sexton — 15 PTS • 5 AST • 2 STL

Takeaway: Frustration and defensive lapses cost them; Ball fined postgame for an on-court gesture.

Game 3 — Oct 30 vs Orlando Magic

Final: Magic 123 – Hornets 107

Summary:
Orlando’s length and discipline punished Charlotte in the paint. The Hornets couldn’t buy a three (28% from deep) and lost control of tempo early.

Key Performers:

  • Collin Sexton — 19 PTS (team high)

  • LaMelo Ball — 19 PTS • 13 AST • 7 REB

  • Miles Bridges — 16 PTS • 8 REB

  • Ryan Kalkbrenner — 10 PTS • 7 REB • steady interior play

Takeaway: Defensive rebounding and rotations broke down; Orlando controlled the flow from start to finish.

Game 4 — Nov 1 vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Final: Timberwolves 122 – Hornets 105

Summary:
Minnesota controlled the pace from the tip. Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards fueled a 14–2 third-quarter run that sealed it. Charlotte’s offense sputtered, managing only 18 points in that frame.

Key Performers:

  • Miles Bridges — 30 PTS (team-high)

  • LaMelo Ball — 18 PTS • 8 AST • 7 REB (Inj

  • Moussa Diabaté — 9 REB • defensive effort in the paint

  • Kon Knueppel — 11 PTS • 5 REB

Takeaway: Energy was there, execution wasn’t. The Wolves' physicality exposed Charlotte’s defensive gaps again.

Buzz Recap

Bright Spots:

  • LaMelo showing true growth in leadership (aside from the gesture) and his playmaking remains elite.

  • Bridges continues efficient scoring consistency and providing his veteran role by taking initiative.

  • Sexton fitting as secondary creator and picking up the offensive slack.

Needs Work:

  • Defensive rebounding and closeouts.

  • Maintaining composure in hostile environments.

  • Plays, any besides and a handoff fake to pass for a corner three.

Trend of the Week:
Ball’s numbers are All Star caliber, but the defense is bottom-third level. Charlotte can score with anyone—they just can’t stop anyone right now.

Dalton Kollar https://PulsifiedMedia.com
Next

Weekly Buzz | Week one