The Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets delivered an unforgettable 2025-26 NBA season opener, treating fans to a thrilling showdown at Spectrum Center. Cam Thomas stole the spotlight with a career-high 35 points, leading the Nets to a 112-105 victory over LaMelo Ball’s Hornets.

Both teams showcased their revamped rosters, with Michael Porter Jr. making his Nets debut and Brandon Miller proving why he was Charlotte’s top draft pick. The game featured 12 lead changes before Brooklyn’s superior bench production decided the contest in the closing minutes.

Nets vs Hornets 2025 Opening Night: Game Highlights, Player Stats, and Key Takeaways

Thrilling Season Opener Ends With Nets Victory Over Hornets

The Brooklyn Nets kicked off their 2025-26 campaign with a hard-fought 112-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in an action-packed season opener at the Spectrum Center. Cam Thomas exploded for a career-high 35 points, outdueling Charlotte’s star guard LaMelo Ball who finished with 28 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds in a losing effort.

The game featured 12 lead changes and remained competitive throughout, with neither team leading by more than 9 points until the final two minutes. Brooklyn’s superior bench production proved decisive, as their reserves outscored Charlotte’s 42-22, led by Lonnie Walker’s 18-point outburst.

Mr.Owl: What impressed me most was Brooklyn’s poise down the stretch. When Charlotte cut the deficit to 2 with 3:11 remaining, the Nets responded with a 10-3 run fueled by Thomas’ clutch shooting. That’s the mark of a well-coached team.

Cam Thomas vs LaMelo Ball: The Marquee Matchup Delivers

The much-anticipated backcourt duel between Cam Thomas and LaMelo Ball lived up to expectations, with both players delivering signature performances. Thomas was particularly lethal in the mid-range, going 8-of-12 on pull-up jumpers while drawing 8 fouls on drives to the basket.

Ball countered with his trademark playmaking, including several highlight-reel assists:

• Between-the-legs pass to Miles Bridges for an and-one
• Full-court outlet pass to Brandon Miller for transition dunk
• No-look dish to P.J. Washington for corner three

Mr.Owl: While Thomas won the scoring battle, Ball’s impact went beyond the box score. His ability to control tempo kept Charlotte in the game despite their defensive struggles. If I’m building a team, I’m still taking LaMelo for his complete package of skills.

Head-to-Head Stats

Brandon Miller’s Promising But Flawed Debut

The No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft showed glimpses of his elite potential during his first career opening night. Miller scored 14 points in just 24 minutes before fouling out, displaying his smooth shooting stroke and underrated athleticism.

However, the 21-year-old forward struggled defensively, committing 5 fouls and getting targeted repeatedly in pick-and-roll situations. His most glaring mistake came with 5:48 remaining when he bit on a pump fake from Thomas, resulting in a critical three-point play.

Mr.Owl: Miller’s defensive lapses were expected – most rookies struggle early. What impressed me was his offensive maturity. He didn’t force shots (6-12 FG) and moved well without the ball. By midseason, he could be Charlotte’s second-best scorer behind Ball.

Key Rookie Moments

• Stepback three over Mikal Bridges
• Two-handed putback dunk
• Chasedown block on Nic Claxton
• 5 personal fouls in 24 minutes

Michael Porter Jr.’s Nets Debut Shows Reasons For Optimism

The newly acquired forward delivered a solid if unspectacular performance in his first game as a Net. Porter finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds while playing solid defense against multiple positions. His length and versatility gave Brooklyn a different dimension compared to last season’s squad.

Porter’s shooting was inconsistent (2-8 from three), but he made up for it with aggressive drives and mid-range shot creation. His most impactful sequence came late in the third quarter when he blocked a Miller jumper then finished a transition layup through contact.

Mr.Owl: Porter’s fit alongside Thomas and Bridges could be special once they build chemistry. His ability to guard wings and stretch the floor gives Brooklyn needed flexibility. If he stays healthy – a big if – this could be his breakout season as a two-way force.

Officiating Controversy Mars Otherwise Entertaining Game

The NBA’s officiating crew drew heavy criticism for an inconsistent performance that saw 52 total fouls called. The most controversial moment came with 1:33 remaining when officials overturned an out-of-bounds call that initially favored Charlotte after video review.

Other questionable decisions included:

• Inconsistent enforcement of the defensive three-second rule
• Several no-calls on obvious contact in the paint
• Quick technical fouls on both coaches

Mr.Owl: The overturned call was particularly egregious. Replay showed clear Hornet possession, yet they gave it to Brooklyn. In a close game, these decisions materially impact outcomes. The NBA needs to address officiating transparency.

What We Learned About Both Teams

The season opener provided valuable insights about where these teams stand:

Brooklyn Nets

• Cam Thomas appears ready for a starring role
• Bench depth could be a strength (42 bench points)
• Defensive versatility improved with Porter Jr.

Charlotte Hornets

• LaMelo Ball looks fully healthy and dominant
• Brandon Miller needs defensive refinement
• Frontcourt depth remains a concern

Mr.Owl: My biggest takeaway? Brooklyn might exceed expectations while Charlotte still looks a year away. The Nets play hard and smart – qualities that win regular season games. The Hornets need Miller’s development to accelerate and better rim protection.

Looking Ahead: Early Season Predictions

Based on opening night performances, here’s how both teams might fare:

Mr.Owl: Don’t be surprised if both projections prove conservative. Brooklyn has sneaky depth, while Charlotte’s ceiling depends entirely on health. If Ball plays 65+ games and Miller hits the ground running, they could swap places in the standings.