Charlotte Hornets Secure Impressive Comeback Victory
In an impressive comeback, the Charlotte Hornets secured their seventh consecutive win by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 102-95 on Monday night in Charlotte. This victory marked the Hornets’ longest winning streak since March 2016. LaMelo Ball was a pivotal player, contributing 24 points on the night, despite an early scare when he collided heads with coach Charles Lee, resulting in an eye laceration that temporarily sidelined him.
Remarkable Comeback
Charlotte faced a daunting challenge after falling behind by as many as 22 points during the game. However, they staged a remarkable reversal, rallying in the second half after trailing 64-49 at halftime. Ball marked a strong recovery by netting 18 points, including three 3-pointers, in the first two quarters. Kon Knueppel‘s performance also shone through with 17 points, while teammates Brandon Miller and Grant Williams each added 16 points. With this win, the Hornets are now just half a game away from the Atlanta Hawks, who currently hold the tenth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Pelicans Struggle Despite Strong Individual Performances
The game was tough for the Pelicans, who saw Trey Murphy III lead the team with 27 points, yet have now lost six out of their last nine games. Zion Williamson contributed 14 points along with 11 rebounds, and Derik Queen chipped in with 16 points. Despite shooting a disappointing 7 of 30 from long range and committing 17 turnovers throughout the game, Charlotte’s determination was evident as they seized the lead in the fourth quarter following a noteworthy two-handed dunk by Ball after an aggressive drive. Furthermore, Miller showcased his skills by stealing the ball and executing a dramatic one-handed dunk to extend the lead to nine points.
Looking Ahead
The Hornets will look to continue their winning streak as they head to Houston on Thursday, while the Pelicans prepare for a matchup in Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
