The Hornets finished with a winning record for the first time since 2022. Their season ended Friday with a blowout loss to the Orlando Magic. The team says their progress this year takes some of the sting out of how it ended.

ALSO READ: Magic rout Hornets 121-90 in play-in game, advance to face Pistons in 1st round of playoffs“It makes me proud because I saw the work that went in to them being able to change the narrative,” said Jeff Peterson, the executive vice president of basketball operations. “It’s not like someone made a wish and this happened. There’s just so many hours that are put into their craft on a daily basis, starting back in the summer.” Hornets players and staff said becoming a more physical team will be a point of emphasis this offseason. VIDEO: Hornets’ playoff drought continues after falling to Magic