Hornets Hit Longest Win Streak
The Charlotte Hornets are making headlines with the NBA's longest active win streak, surging up power rankings and approaching "unprecedented territory" for the franchise. They've been one of the league's most improved teams since January 1. Meanwhile, Rockets forward Tari Eason was ejected Monday night and Wizards' Julian Reese drew his first NBA start.
The Hornets' recent success includes setting a new franchise record with their eighth consecutive road victory after defeating the Chicago Bulls 131-99. Their overall winning streak is approaching the all-time franchise record of 10 consecutive wins, which was set in 1998. A unique aspect of this surge is the team's youth. During one nine-game stretch, the Hornets became the first team in NBA history to win nine straight games without any player aged 28 or older scoring a single point. The core starting lineup of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté has been particularly dominant, boasting a 15-1 record when they start together. This chemistry has been a major factor in the team's post-January turnaround. Rockets forward Tari Eason's ejection came after he received two technical fouls for shoving the Wizards' Jamir Watkins on consecutive plays. The on-court scuffle also resulted in an ejection for new Wizard Trae Young, who was not yet in uniform for his new team and stepped onto the court from the bench. Julian Reese's first NBA start for the Wizards was a result of injuries to the team's frontcourt. Signed to a two-way contract just days earlier, Reese played 28 minutes against the Rockets, finishing with two points, four rebounds, and three steals before fouling out.
