Kon Knueppel’s HISTORIC Pace | Hornets LOSE Shootout vs Cavs | LaMelo, Brandon, Kon Defense Worries
The Charlotte Hornets put up a fight but fell short in a defensive struggle against the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing 139-130. Host Doug Branson recaps a game defined by high effort but low execution, where Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell proved too much for Charlotte’s perimeter defense. We analyze the defensive shortcomings and ask the hard questions about whether a core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel can defend well enough to contend in the playoffs.
Speaking of Kon Knueppel, the rookie sensation continues to rewrite the record books. We look at his surge to 100 made three-pointers and his climb up The Ringer’s NBA player rankings, where he now sits just behind Cooper Flagg. Is he already the most reliable offensive option on the team?
Finally, we open the Sicko Satchel for a holiday-themed mailbag. We debate the greatest General Manager and Head Coach in Hornets history—giving Bob Bass and Paul Silas their flowers. We also address realistic trade scenarios for Miles Bridges and investigate whether officials truly allow more physical play against LaMelo Ball than other stars.
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#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #CharlotteHornets
32 Comments
Doug your such negativity magnet 🧲 it's crazy, Lamelo played 24 mins with 23pts 9ast 4reb. Some all this negativity is constantly directed towards him.
I appreciate you gutting this one out. I always appreciate your takes. I hope you feel better.
Charlotte will never find another LaMelo
If Miles Bridges is the heart and soul of this team. Does that make him untouchable for the next 2 years? It’s clear every player respects him but he’s becoming borderline unplayable. I wouldn’t mind keeping him but he’s needs to come off the bench. Problem is we don’t have anybody our house to replace him yet.
Without Ryan we loose a big point in the team.. Why is he every second or third game out? 130+ points wtf is this? Defense like a All star Game!!!
Zo, Mugsy, and Larry Johnson were Dave Twardzik, not Bob Bass.
Great podcast Doug, thank you and Walker for all the shows 🙌🏻, really appreciate the insights and your thoughts on the Hornets 👍🏻. Lamelo and Brandon have improved their shooting since the start of December, hopefully they can stay healthy and can have a good stretch of games coming 🙌🏻. Kon has been unreal so far this season 🏀😃
Hornets are a fun offensive team. But to win games, their dfense is just not good enough.
Don’t fall for the rage bait. It’s up to the front office get a real center and pf. They know this team is to small. As a fan we just have to sit back and see what happens unfortunately.
You do not like Melo 😂 you can’t compare Melo frustration to Kon or Miller because they get they calls they deserve, MELO DON’T it’s that simple! Being fouled all game and never getting a call would frustrate anybody …. I see other fans can see Melo get calls but you wanna say “Kon and miller can run back and say I made a mistake” let’s see them do that while getting fouled all game
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I can’t watch this podcast without Walker
Keep Miles.
Young Bull for McDaniels?
DOUG – we ALL love Kon. I’m happy, in Kon you have found your new soulmate. 😂.
Please just try to imagine and embrace the synergy we are seeing with Lamelo Brandon and Kon rather than all the disappointment and negativity f that’s in your soul. 😮who hurt you?
I’m starting to lose faith in Charles Lee. If we don’t at least crack 30 wins this year, we need to find a new HC. Coaches should want to come here now that we have Kon.
Don’t understand the Miles hate (from a basketball perspective). Dude is our most reliable player.
Need a W streak, a nice one of around 6 7
Doug your take on LaMelo not getting fouls feels like rewriting history. I know you watch the games and I know you’ve heard Del Curry complain about a lack of calls many many times. I’ll take his perspective on that over yours.🤷🏽
I agree Charles Lee should be defending him more / coaching him up on doing the things it takes to draw the calls without question. He’s getting stronger. More mental toughness needed. It’s a work in progress. More games will help but it’s pretty bad, you MUST admit
Lamelo good offensive. Terrible defensive player. Not winning anything with him.
Why does everyone still expect anything out of Lamelo defensively. I commend him for still hustling so much.
The hornets have the worst whistle in the NBA. How many games have I watched where the other team has 20s FTAs at half time and a big lead. While the hornets have FTAs in the single digits at half
Kon was being hunted of defense last night
We are on the right track. I would still sack Lee but its only an opinion. If we wait and draft Wilson or Boozer this team would be balanced and top tier.
Apparently, there's more than smoke coming out of Charlotte and Minnesota regarding Colin Sexton. Matt Alquiza did a story updating Jake Fishers ' tweet about a potential trade sending Sexton to the Wolves for Mike Connelly's expiring contract, Rob Dillingham , Leonard Miller and 2nd round pick. He identified Dillingham as the return target although Miller has a raw but intriguing skill set. Getting Dillingham would mean someone who might legitimately push LaMelo and at a minimum might mean Tre Mann gets sent packing down the road. It would mean buying out both Connelly and Connaughton and maybe waiving Miller unless Plumlee is also let go. I guess it's possible a 2 way could be waived and Miller converted to a 2 way deal.
I like the hornets young center but they need a another off the bench a shot blocker a true 7 footer. Does anyone know if Mo Bamba got anything left in him???
The difference on this one was the turnovers and points off turnovers, for sure. Contrast that with the game last night against the Wizards, 4 turnovers. We have trouble against physical teams as pointed out by Kon in his presser after last night's game.
Kon & ball is hornets future.
I think LaMelo must have listened to your take because he spent a lot of the Wizards game getting into the paint and finishing lol.
The defense is fine. All that needs to be done is score 140 consistently instead of 130. Can this team do 140? Yes.
This young core is allowing each other to capitalize off each other. Two more players needed. Elite PF and a very versatile C. Wilson and Sabonis would be perfect
Salaun is taking leaps… please give him time to develop. Team defense is a struggle for many young players
Just watched Mr deeds and I thought Doug was in the movie as Mac Magrath 😅