Sports
Hornets fans see postseason potential despite rough home opener
Charlotte supporters welcomed a new season at Spectrum Center with hopes of a deeper playoff run, even as the Hornets opened their home schedule with a lopsided loss to Atlanta. Fans pointed to new additions and coach Charles Lee’s leadership as reasons for optimism, while acknowledging the team needs time to come together.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hornets fans arrived at Spectrum Center Friday eager to start a new season and hopeful that Charlotte could build on last year’s NBA Play-In Tournament appearance. The team’s 2026-27 home opener ended in a 128-81 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but supporters said they still see room for progress.
“Today’s the day,” fan Mark Cierzan said before the game. “We’re pumped up and couldn’t wait for this first home game.”
The Hornets finished last season with 44 wins, according to fans’ recollections, and made the play-in tournament. This offseason brought major roster changes, including the departures of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, alongside the arrival of experienced players who are expected to join young talents such as Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
Beverly Dulin-Massey, a season-ticket holder, said she is watching to see whether the group can build relationships and develop chemistry under head coach Charles Lee. She said she understands that roster changes may be part of the team’s effort to improve.
Cierzan described the season as a rebuilding year and said Charlotte could be close to contending with one or two more players. For now, fans’ playoff hopes hinge on whether the reshaped roster can turn promise into consistent results.
The Hornets were scheduled to host the Miami Heat on Saturday, Oct. 24, for their second home game of the season.