Gabe Plotkin Co-Chairman & Alternate Governor | Carolina Hornets Website
Gabe Plotkin Co-Chairman & Alternate Governor | Carolina Hornets Website
The Charlotte Hornets were unable to replicate their previous success against the Atlanta Hawks, falling 125-120 in a closely contested game at State Farm Arena. The team had hoped to build on their season-opening victory over Houston but struggled with fouls and free throws.
LaMelo Ball was a standout performer for the Hornets, scoring 34 points, including a career-high nine three-pointers. Despite his efforts, he fouled out late in the fourth quarter and committed ten turnovers. Miles Bridges contributed 27 points, while Nick Richards recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The game remained tight until the final minutes when Trae Young's floater and Jalen Johnson's successful and-1 play gave the Hawks an edge. Ball's return to the court resulted in his sixth foul, leaving Charlotte unable to regain momentum.
The Hornets struggled with interior scoring, managing only 16-of-45 from inside the arc. This performance marked one of their lowest outputs in franchise history for two-pointers made in a single game.
Atlanta capitalized on free-throw opportunities, accumulating 38 attempts during the game. This figure was not even their highest of the season but marked the most by a Charlotte opponent since November 2021.
Trae Young proved challenging for Charlotte's defense, finishing with 38 points on 11-of-24 shooting. He also added five three-pointers, eight rebounds, and ten assists.
Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee commented on his team's performance: “There was a competitive spirit from the group. Twenty-two offensive rebounds, we won the shot margin. I thought we made them miss with our defense, our activity. We blocked some shots, got some deflections. There were a couple of 50-50 balls we couldn’t come up with and they ended up getting a three or a layup out of it. I also don’t like the fact that they shot 38 free-throws. Those are some things that we can control. When we’re at our best, we’re a little more disciplined.”
Looking ahead, the Hornets will face Miami Heat for their home opener at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
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