Hornets' Playoff Hopes Crushed in Shocking Loss

0:00It's April 18th. Welcome to Charlotte Hornets News today, AI-powered coverage of your squad. I'm Corey with the story. The Charlotte Hornets own the NBA in 2026, straight dominating with blowout wins left and right. They kicked off the play in tournament on fire, hitting crazy shots to edge out the Miami Heat, 127-126 in overtime, keeping their season alive. But Friday night against Orlando Magic, it all crashed hard. Holding that win to snag a playoff spot versus the Detroit Pistons, the Hornets got buried early, down big after the first quarter and never climbed, back, dropping 121 to 90. Fans hit social media with the heartbreak after riding high on the team's hot streak all year. One said it was a sad ending, wishing better luck next season. Another called it a shocking dog poop performance on the big stage. Fans poured in about lacking playoff prep and physicality, but some stayed hopeful. If the starters stay healthy, they could hit the playoffs as a six.

1:02Seed next year. Coach Charles Lee dodged talk on screening fows to avoid fines while Brandon Miller spun the loss as a solid learning experience. Now the Hornets rebuild, eyes on bouncing back stronger.