NBA Teams Getting Hot at the Perfect Time

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Mar 14, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) celebrates after tying the game against the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Mavericks won 107-96. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets

Record: 39-29

Last 10: 9-1

Key Statistic: 108.2 PPG (Past 18 games)

Current Streak: 15-3

Outside of the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, no team is hotter than Steve Clifford’s Charlotte Hornets. The 39-29 Hornets have won nine of their past 10 games, but that only begins to scratch the surface of how well they’ve been playing.

Since falling to a record of 24-26, the Hornets are a downright dominant 15-3.

Charlotte’s schedule has become significantly more manageable during that stretch, but this team is getting healthy again. Kemba Walker is playing at a star-caliber level, Al Jefferson is finding his footing, and the offensive production has been off the charts.

Over the course of that 18-game period, the Hornets are averaging 108.2 points per game—an explosive number for a team that’s generally recognized for its defense.

Charlotte currently ranks No. 9 in both offensive and defensive efficiency—measures of how many points are scored and allowed per 100 possessions. They’re on pace to play the Miami Heat in the first round, with the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics being within a tiebreak and 0.5 game, respectively, of becoming the opponent.

If Charlotte maintains its current pace until season’s end, it’d have the confidence and momentum necessary to win its first postseason series since the organization was reintroduced in 2004.

Next: The Quiet Contender