Brandon Miller scored 25 factors, Vasilije Micic recorded a double-double, however they could not assist the Charlotte Hornets overcome a 3rd quarter by which they have been outscored by 22 factors.
The abstract
The Hornets took an early lead with 4 factors from Tidjane Salaün, however the Hornets rookie was solely capable of play two minutes earlier than twisting his ankle whereas stepping on Josh Hart’s foot. He stayed on the ground to shoot free throws after twisting his ankle and did his greatest to remain out of the locker room, however he was finally satisfied to return and was dominated out of the sport. On the sphere, the Hornets confronted among the finest groups within the East. Brandon Miller constructed off his sturdy end from Tuesday with a three-and-one and-1 transfer by which he put OG Anunoby in a blender. And he did this:
BRANDONNNNNNN@brandmillerr | @drpepper | 📹 @FDSN_Hornets pic.twitter.com/0iCHsAs7G9
– Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 6, 2024
It was all a part of a 16-point opening body for the second-year professional. The Knicks reduce the Hornets a double-digit result in two factors late within the quarter due to a late quarter surge.
DaQuan Jeffries obtained his first minutes in a Hornets uniform and nailed a dribble three inside two minutes of taking the ground. The remainder of the second quarter did not have the notable fireworks of the primary, but it surely was one other high-scoring quarter. Vasa Micic and Josh Hart performed the function of unlikely heroes for his or her respective groups. The Knicks obtained the higher of the Hornets and led by three at halftime.
Each groups struggled to place the ball within the gap within the opening minutes of the third quarter. These struggles lasted just a few minutes for the Knicks. They lasted the whole quarter for the Hornets. The Knicks obtained to the free throw line and located a rhythm that was scorching pictures from three. The group was fired up by the recent capturing, and the Knicks undoubtedly fed off it. They outscored the Hornets by 22 factors within the quarter and led by 25 heading into the fourth regardless of Brandon Miller launching a wild three-pointer from about 30 ft away.
The Hornets could not ignite the capturing hearth that will have been essential to mount a comeback. The Knicks left the door open for some time with sloppy play and Karl-Anthony Cities doing a bizarre, overly flashy bucket chase. Seth Curry made a trio of 3-pointers within the quarter and completed with 15 of the Hornets’ 23 factors within the fourth.
The Good
Brandon Miller had one other stable recreation to bolster his explosive second half on Tuesday. He was decisive with the ball and had confidence in his capability to create area along with his ball dealing with. Heavy utilization with out the LaMelo Ball hasn’t all the time led to the perfect effectivity, but it surely appears to spice up his confidence and has helped him enhance his recreation.
Vasilije Micic performed an excellent level guard. He ceaselessly entered the paint and threw the ball at shooters and dunkers. He completed with a double-double of 14 factors and 12 assists.
This was all certainly taking place within the rubbish period, but it surely was enjoyable to see a Curry gentle it up in a Hornets uniform.
The Hornets had simply 10 turnovers. It is fairly good.
The unhealthy
Jalen Brunson is in that class of gamers that I do not actually get pleasure from watching play. He actually enjoys the theater of attempting to impress fouls, and he commits baiting from the contact he initiates. You could possibly see the Hornets gamers getting pissed off with plenty of whistles thrown in his favor.
Whereas I am complaining concerning the Knicks, it is loopy that Tom Thibodeau performed 47 minutes in opposition to Mikal Bridges in a December recreation in opposition to the Hornets by which the Knicks received by 24. Thibs goes Thibs. He’ll do every part in his energy to verify Bridges would not keep his Ironman streak for too lengthy.
As enjoyable as Moussa Diabaté was, we obtained to see how his limitations can harm the Hornets offense. The Hornets scored 62 factors and had a really easy assault within the first half. Diabate took over the backup middle’s minutes and the Hornets have been outscored by 14 factors in his seven minutes of the third quarter. There simply is not as a lot area to function with Moussa’s limitations as a passer and finisher when he isn’t catching the ball on the rim.
Tijane Salaün’s ankle damage will undoubtedly sideline him a bit, which is a disgrace given his current comeback. Let’s hope these younger joints bounce again shortly.
What’s subsequent
The Hornets play back-to-backs this weekend earlier than getting a number of days off. It begins with a go to from the league leaders, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Associated
