What happened: The Charlotte Hornets' account posted that it was "checkin' in for game 1," tagging the Carolina Hurricanes and guard Kon Knueppel ahead of the Stanley Cup Final opener. The message was a show of cross-sport Carolina solidarity rather than a basketball-related update.

Why it matters: The post underscores the shared Carolina sports identity linking the NBA's Hornets and the NHL's Hurricanes. Inter-franchise social support like this builds regional fan goodwill, particularly with the Hurricanes carrying a deep playoff run into the Stanley Cup Final.

What to watch: Watch whether the Hurricanes can sustain their quick start through the Stanley Cup Final opener, and whether other Carolina franchises echo the cross-sport support.