Hornets Rout Nets 136–117; Nets Struggle

The Brooklyn Nets — who entered the season after a heavy roster overhaul that included five first‑round picks and a finalized 15‑man squad with a planned 10‑man rotation — opened the regular season with a discouraging 136–117 loss at Charlotte. The Hornets dominated, shooting better than 50% (nearly 49% from three), recording a franchise‑record nine players in double figures and getting 25 points from Brandon Miller, 20 points and eight assists from LaMelo Ball, and 18 points with 11 rebounds from Miles Bridges; rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner also contributed as starters. Brooklyn struggled defensively, fans left early, and the Nets started rookie Ben Saraf at point guard in the opener. At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks opened their regular season missing Mitchell Robinson (left ankle) and Josh Hart (lumbar spasms), with Karl‑Anthony Towns listed doubtful for the game with a right quad strain as coach Mike Brown urged caution on Hart’s back. Expectations remain low for immediate Nets success despite the rebuild, and the club could still make in‑season moves before the trade deadline.