The Hornets surprise the Magic, but lose Kon Knuepel

THE Hornets I would like to rejoice after this fourth away win of the season. Authors of a great start and a cheeky address from a distance, Charles Lee’s men managed to go the distance until the end against an uninspired Magic to sign a second consecutive victory. The only drawback will be the injury of Kon Knuepel, who seriously twisted his right ankle right before the break.

Kon Knuepel left tonight’s game with a right ankle injury after landing on Desmond Bain’s leg.pic.twitter.com/frE9F6AUhk

— Grand Canyon State Sports (@GCStateSports) December 27, 2025

Both teams started the match at 200 mph, and where the Magic stopped quickly, the Hornets went full throttle. Conn Knuepel responded to Anthony Black’s two 3-point baskets, and Charlotte continued thanks to LaMelo Ball, Tijane Salaun and Josh Green from long range and moved to +13 at the end of the first quarter (25-38).

Led by LaMelo’s ball of great nights and the inclusion of the French duo of Salaun-Diabate, the Hornets continued to make debates. Anthony Black was able to count on Paolo Banchero’s welcome relays inside, then mid-range and Tristan Da Silva’s 3-pointer to keep the Magic in the game at the end of a much more controlled second quarter (48-57).

But the Floridians struggled to finish the match after returning from the locker room, as they found threes by Brandon Miller and then Colin Sexton on their way to send Charlotte off at the end of the third quarter (70-94). So much so that the Magic quickly gave up and ended up losing 120 to 105.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Demonstrations of hornets. When a team plays with this intensity and this desire, there is reason to bemoan the Hornets’ dismal record of 11 wins in 31 games. From start to finish, Charlotte almost never gave up, shooting an impressive 49% from 3-point range, going 19/39 on 41 field goals!

Kon Knuepel falls in turn. Charlotte is never done with injuries. This time, Kon Knuepel seems to be seriously injured. In the scramble for the rebound, the guard saw his right foot land on the leg of his teammate Moussa Diabate. Coming off just before the break after a long stay on the ground, he did not enter the game after that.

Production of Salaun-Diabate tandem. The two Frenchmen from Charlotte left their mark on the meeting with their activity and efficiency. Tiđane Salaun managed to do well, scoring 14 points in 22 minutes on 6/7 shooting, with 8 rebounds and 1 assist. Moussa Diabate was decisive with his activity near the circle on both sides of the court, finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds, including 7 offensive and 3 assists. Noah Penda was unfortunately more discreet in front… (1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 interception in 11 minutes).

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=l5ir1TZkJjk

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.