Inside the Hornets' nest: LaMelo Ball's injury doesn't change what Charlotte is building

Hornets hive, assemble! Charlotte is buzzing toward something special

The Charlotte Hornets were in Sacramento, a week into a road trip, coming off a loss to the Golden State Warriors in which Draymond Green had recorded 19 assists and Kelly Oubre Jr. had dunked six times in the first quarter. They'd battled to the end, but it was not their finest defensive performance. They had three games in four nights ahead of them. After that, a brief respite: The All-Star break. The frenzied schedule afforded them little opportunity to blow off steam. "Can't leave your room," Hornets coach James Borrego said. "There's not a whole lot to do. You can't really get outside and enjoy the city or have a meal."