Nine players scored in double-figures as the Charlotte Hornets ran away with a season-opening win Wednesday night before a packed house at the newly renovated Spectrum Arena.
As part of its $245 million renovations, every seat inside Spectrum Center is new. And nearly every one was filled.
There were 19,516 fans — most of whom were decked out in the Hornets’ signature teal and purple — inside the building for their 136-117 victory against the Brooklyn Nets.
Their energy was felt from the opening tip.
“Really fun getting out for the first time and getting the full NBA experience,” said Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, who scored 11 points in his first NBA game. “Just some of those calls I've gotta get used to, but it was just a blast out there.”
A great crowd to open a new era in Charlotte
There’s a refreshed buzz on the new-look concourses and outside the venue.
Charlotte basketball lore is all over the walls of the arena, from murals of Larry Johnson being drafted, to fans measuring their arms against LaMelo Ball‘s wingspan. Performers such as Jelly Roll and Kelsea Ballerini are pictured alongside former UNC star RJ Davis playing in the ACC men’s basketball tournament, while another spot honors every high school basketball state champion in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Many fans are already repping Knueppel’s No. 7 jersey, as well as most of the legends who have suited up for the franchise. The Hornets began their 36th season in the win column, the sold-out crowd was in the game every step of the way — and there's optimism.
“The crowd was lit, as I expected,” Hornets head coach Charles Lee said. “It’s fun to be back in Spectrum Center, but it’s also just good to have another opportunity to play a game and try to build some better habits on both sides of the ball. Defensively we did a lot of really good things, and things we'll continue to try and emphasize. And there are areas where we can get better.”
‘The fans definitely showed up’
The Hornets (1-0) were in command throughout Wednesday's victory.
Brandon Miller, playing for the first time since Jan. 15, led all scorers with 25 points. Ball added a 20-point performance, including a team-best four 3-pointers, while Miles Bridges put up 18 points.
The home team led by as many as 22 points. All 10 players who saw the floor scored for Charlotte, which made 53.3% of its shots from the field.
“It was a lot of fun,” Miller said. “Like, the fans definitely showed up (Wednesday). I just applaud them and hope they continue showing up for us.”