Hornets STUMBLE at Home | Lamelo Ball SPARKS late | lineup LIMBO
A weekend that began with hope for the Charlotte Hornets quickly took a turn, as marquee matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics exposed critical weaknesses in Charlotte’s postseason bid. On today’s Locked on Hornets, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson recap the key stretches where the Hornets’ previously surging offense suddenly stalled, especially during the pivotal moments late against Philly and for most of the game versus Boston. The show examines how stars like JaYson Tatum shined brightest, notching an MVP-caliber performance, while Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid imposed their will as Charlotte’s defense struggled to adapt.
The conversation turns to LaMelo Ball’s mixed weekend—highlighting his leadership and fourth-quarter burst against the Celtics but also critiquing his turnovers and inconsistent shooting. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson discuss Hornets “Carolina sports trauma,” why panic isn’t the right reaction, and the meaningful context of these losses with the play-in race tightening. They also spotlight Coach Charles Lee’s rotational tinkering and late-game lineup choices, like Grant Williams at the five, weighing short-term consequences against long-term playoff strategy.
Plus, there’s reflection on what this stretch reveals about the Hornets’ core and playoff potential, mailbox feedback from Hornets sickos, and a level-headed look at what’s truly at stake as the postseason looms. All that, with insights on rotations, fan angst, and the ever-critical next steps for Charlotte.
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#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #charlottehornets
00:00 Hornets’ STALL
05:54 – Why The Losses “Make Sense” and Is Panic Warranted?
10:48 – LaMelo Ball Elevation
19:25 – Charles Lee’s Lineup Experimentation
34:14 – Viewer Lamentations & Closing Thoughts
23 comments
Commentators curse on steroids. 😂😂😂
Mehl has an unhealthy Fandom of Moose. It effects his judgment.
The Celtics loss was expected but the Philly loss pretty guaranteed it. We have no inside scoring or defense hopefully it gets addressed in the off season it is wat it is.
Kon needs a little time off to get his back right. Also I hope we're getting the shooting slump outta the way before the Play-in/playoffs
Just a shooting slump..i think the pressure finally hit them but i hope they come back ready to prove a point next game
The Hornets are good, but they’re not at that next level yet. Even if they make the playoffs, they’re out in 5 games. Until they upgrade the center spot and add better depth, they won’t be serious contenders.
i hope this comment will be notice by our good TOP duo of Walker and Doug
– this is the reason Y i want/wait to watch for the both of you on this youtube channel. Both of you talks sense on what is happening on our team and on what I feel on those type of loses, Phily is a Monster which is the reality BUT only loss by 4 points (ACHIEVEMENT ALREADY) in Boston? not to give flowers to Tatum (i hate his confidence, coz he is really good and we dont have an answer to it) Tatum is a MPV candidate thats y If our team is not on point and sharp we will be beaten badly. And true we are in an intense 7 games straight games.
Thanks for making sure we are guided on how our team is emerging on good team effort and good coaching.
We are not making no damn playoffs especially if we have to face Miami first spo has our number and all of our dillusional fans know tht. Our defensive issues must be addressed in the off-season to be taken seriously period.
It’s OK Walker, I understand. I’m a hopeful thinker too. These past 2 games have been so sad!!! #Notwalkersfault. Lolol. We’ll all be ok.
I question the fact that the hornets were in the bonus when they played Philly in the fourth quarter and nobody attacked the basket to get to the foul line
Was at the Boston game and it definitely hurt hearing the Boston fans cheering at the end.
The one thing that made it better was watching my boy Walker shinning for the halftime report. Proud of you guys and the Hornets!
Renewed fan here: is it common for the opposing team to be louder than our fans at home games? Watching on TV, it’s all I could hear! Their fans! 🙁
Why is Walker's camera so bad?
I think with the long home stand, this young team lost some focus. Hitting the road right now is a good thing.
@11:00— Doug why didnt you bring up Kon going 1-6 from 3 against BOS or B-Mill getting into Foul trouble?? You ALWAYSSSSSSSSSSSS talk about Lamelo however he was the primary scorer in the 4th. gahhhhleeeee, get some new takes.
Walker sparking b2b losses after saying the Hornets are the best team in the NBA, depending on the rest of the szn, could put him in the purple shirt man echelon. All love tho lol. Doug's point on experimenting made a lot of sense & also stopped me from seeing red thinking bout that Philly L too. Good ep fellas
The Boston game showed that Brandon and Lamelo lack a midrange game. Especially a 2 dribble jump shot package. Strength and proper footwork planting for a straight-up jump shot is not incorporated in their arsenal. Tatum showed that. Brandon extends his dribble outwards forcing an off balance gather. Lamelo lacks explosion vertically due to his patented one foot two handed midrange jumpshot. Kon needs is a rookie but needs street ball handles. Way too machiney with his dribble.
Watching this after the Hawks beat the Celtics and the Heat beat the 76ers. It looks like we are destined for the 10th spot and a one game play-in exit.
I’m trying not to be pessimistic, but it just feels like a really big hill to overcome for such a young team. This season is still a major success, considering what we thought it was going to be though.
If that was McHonky, no good bros 🤫 I understand y'all didn't understand 🫶
I actually feel pretty good as a Hornet Fan. I think the Bugs have what it takes to finish ahead of the Heat and the Magic and get the 8th seed.
Three high level games in four days. Won one and SHOULD have won the Philly game. Celtics gave us a belt but they were exhausted physically and emotionally. I’m not worried.This team has heart
They didn't pass the giant Embiid ruler and the fully healthy Celtics ruler, no max money but play-in exit has always been the goal. Against an all world post season Spoelstra Heat is going to be tough. You also have Kon tending to a back injury. Next draft is stacked. Just don't overpay BMill.
Philly game was frustrating. We were in the bonus and kept shooting 3s with no attempt at rebounding. Should have made drives or got diabate on. Terrible 4th quarter team at times.