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Charlotteās Win Over Miami Sparks Debate
TL;DR
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat in a thrilling play-in game, igniting discussions about the Rookie of the Year race and the team's future. Kon Knueppel's performance has raised questions about his impact on the award and the Hornets' prospects.
Key points
- Charlotte Hornets defeated Miami Heat in a play-in game
- Kon Knueppel's performance sparked Rookie of the Year discussions
- Concerns raised about the Hornets' future performance
- Debate over the impact of one game on the Rookie of the Year race
Charlotte HornetsMiami HeatKon KnueppelFlagg
CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 14: Kon Knueppel #7, Sion James #4, and Grant Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets smiles before the game against the Miami Heat during the 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 14, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Charlotte Hornets beat Miami in a highly entertaining play-in game the other night, and it sparked a ton of conversation. Some of the themes: Kon Knueppel blew the Rookie of the Year race, the Hornets are in big trouble, and one more weāll get to in a minute.
The Rookie of the Year business is stupid. Itās going to be Knueppel or Flagg, if not both. One game is not going to change that.
And secondly, for anyone who has paid attention to Knueppel, heās not going to let that game control the next game. Heās too smart and too competitive to do that.
Third, Miami has one of the best cultures in the NBA, and in particular, one of the best defensive cultures in the league. They singled out the rookie, and took him down.
And fourth, while Knueppel had a bad game, Charlotte definitely didnāt.
On Friday, the Hornets will play the Orlando Magic for the final spot in the playoffs. Orlando has some talent, notably up front with former Dukies Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter.
Q&A
How did Charlotte Hornets perform against Miami Heat in the play-in game?
The Charlotte Hornets won against the Miami Heat in a highly entertaining play-in game.
What impact did Kon Knueppel's performance have on the Rookie of the Year race?
Kon Knueppel's performance is seen as pivotal in the Rookie of the Year race, potentially overshadowing other candidates.
What are the implications of the Hornets' win for their future games?
The Hornets' win raises concerns about their overall performance and competitiveness in upcoming games.
Who are the main contenders for the Rookie of the Year award?
The main contenders for the Rookie of the Year award are Kon Knueppel and Flagg.
