The Charlotte Hornets cut up each video games on their street journey after dropping to the Atlanta Hawks 125-120. It was a troublesome recreation early, and Charlotte confronted double-digit deficits, however managed to make it attention-grabbing as the sport progressed. LaMelo Ball had his second straight 34-point efficiency within the loss. He shot 50 p.c from the sphere, making 10 of his 20 photographs, with 9 of these 10 makes an attempt coming from three-point land. That is a profession excessive for Ball from deep. Which is one to a few of the Hornets’ document.
LaMelo Ball foul derailed recreation for Hornets
The ball was fouled with about 3:30 left within the fourth quarter, whereas slicing the result in 10 factors. From there, Charlotte could not generate any offense to maintain up with Trae Younger’s 38-point outburst or get the required stops. The supporting solid confirmed up for Charlotte, with three different guys scoring in double figures. Miles Bridges recorded his first 20-plus level recreation of the season after pouring in 27 factors to assist shoulder the scoring load.
Tre Mann additionally continued his sixth Man of the Yr marketing campaign, scoring 17 factors, and Nick Richards recorded a double-double. Friday evening in opposition to Atlanta, they could not get these key stops to tie or take the lead late in crunch time.
As he continues to rehab his hamstring harm, the Hornets will miss Brandon Miller’s manufacturing on the sphere. Not solely can he rating with one of the best of them, however he is additionally one among Charlotte’s greatest perimeter defenders. Along with his size, he may have been a extra viable choice to go to Trae Younger if want be. Sadly, Miller nonetheless must be re-evaluated subsequent week to see when he can hit the ground once more. Within the meantime, Charlotte will make do with what she has.
On the brilliant facet, Josh Inexperienced made his season debut. He was questionable with left Achilles tendon soreness, however ended up taking part in 18 minutes coming off the bench. By knocking off a few of the rust, he might be a helpful perimeter defender as they transfer ahead.
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Hornets protection will likely be key transferring ahead
Regardless of LaMelo Ball’s two scoring outbursts, getting stops on the opposite finish will all the time be what wins this group recreation down the stretch. With Inexperienced again within the fold, it may assist decelerate these faster guards on the perimeter. The true secret is the return of Mark Williams to decelerate assaults. Nick Richards did a stable job, however they might nonetheless use their third-year large man. They’re eleventh in opponent factors per recreation by two video games.
It is not nice, but it surely might be even higher when everyone seems to be wholesome and capable of play. They’re additionally fifteenth in defensive effectivity, which is about common to this point. Thankfully, we’re early within the season and there are nonetheless 80 video games left to tighten issues up on that finish of the pitch. In addition to making everybody equally wholesome and capable of hit the bottom.
