Hornets Beat Lakers to Begin Second Half of the Season
The Charlotte Hornets ended their three-game losing streak on Wednesday night with a 100-97 victory. This game was originally scheduled for January 9th but had to be postponed due to the California wildfires. Miles Bridges scored 29 points, and LaMelo Ball had 27 points and six assists as the Hornets picked up their 14th win of the season. Both teams were trying to shake off some rust coming off the all-star break in the first half before finding their stride in the second half. The Hornets went on a 20-1 run in the third and fourth quarters before holding on for a three-point win. Charlotte shot 36 percent from the field and was able to take advantage of 18 turnovers by the Lakers. This is a great start for the Hornets as they begin a six-game road trip to begin the second half of the season.
Mark Williams had 10 points and nine rebounds as the Hornets big man looked for some revenge against the Lakers. The third-year center was part of a failed trade between the two teams, which would have sent him to Los Angeles and Dalton Knecht to Charlotte before the Lakers rescinded the trade. Williams took advantage of the Lakers’ small frontcourt and exposed mismatches in the paint. The Hornets could not get as much production beyond the big three of Ball, Bridges, and Williams as it was a tough shooting night for the Hornets bench, which made a combined six shots.
LeBron James almost notched his 11th triple-double of the season with 26 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists to lead the Lakers. Rui Hachimura had 17 points, and Luka Doncic had 14 points and six turnovers. This is still Doncic’s third game as a Laker, and he is still trying to get acclimated with his new team. The Lakers controlled most of the game before having turnover issues in the second half. The Hornets recorded 12 steals and shot 46 percent from three in the second half to take the lead in the game. Charlotte fans had to watch James miss two potential game-tying three-point shots in order to hold on for the win.
The Hornets seemed to gain more confidence as the game went on, and their effort on both ends of the court was evident as they were able to pick up a win over one of the top teams in the NBA. Charlotte can now take their momentum into Denver on Thursday night. They now have a chance to win back-to-back games for the first time since mid-January. Charlotte is not projected to make the playoffs this year, so the team is playing for pride and trying to end their season on the highest note possible.
