Brandon Miller scored 25 points in his first game since January, and the Charlotte Hornets opened the 2025–26 NBA season with a 136–117 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night at Spectrum Center.
Miles Bridges added 18 points and 11 rebounds, while LaMelo Ball contributed 20 points and eight assists as the Hornets marked the reopening of their newly renovated home arena with a high-scoring victory.
Charlotte set a franchise record with nine players scoring in double figures, including rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, who both started. It was the first time in team history that two rookies were part of the opening night lineup.
Kalkbrenner posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in his NBA debut, while Knueppel added 11 points and five boards. The pair combined to make their first eight shots from the field, giving the Hornets early offensive balance.
After sitting much of the first quarter due to foul trouble, Miller erupted for 15 points in the second period, helping Charlotte outscore Brooklyn 39–28 and build a 17-point halftime advantage. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft showed no signs of rust after missing 55 games last season with a wrist injury.
The Hornets shot 53.3% from the field and 47.2% from three-point range, while dominating the glass 50–38. Collin Sexton provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, and Tre Mann added 12 to help seal the win.
Nic Claxton led Brooklyn with 17 points, and Cam Thomas scored 15. Day’Ron Sharpe and Egor Demin each added 14, while Michael Porter Jr. finished with 12 in his Nets debut.
Brooklyn shot 44.3% overall but struggled defensively against Charlotte’s ball movement and transition scoring.
The Nets were without first-round pick Danny Wolf, who sprained an ankle during the morning shootaround and is listed as day-to-day.
The win gave Charlotte its first season-opening victory since 2022. The Hornets will visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, while the Nets return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
