CHARLOTTE, N.C. - It looked like the Hornets were going to get blown right out of their own building for the second time in as many nights, but they battled, scratched, and clawed their way back from a 21-point deficit to make it one of the most entertaining finishes at Spectrum Center this season. L.A. pulled away at the end for the win, 124-118.
The Lakers put up 74 points in the first half, marking the third-most allowed in a game this season by Charlotte. Once the Hornets cleaned up some things defensively, they gave themselves a chance late in the fourth.
Best of the Night: Brandon Miller/Miles Bridges
Miller came up big when the Hornets needed him most, knocking down a couple of heavily contested threes to bring the game within two possessions.
Miles Bridges kept the Hornets in this game in the second half, setting a new single game high for points with 41 on 16/26 shooting. As efficient as he was scoring the rock, he didn't register a single rebound and only had four assists on the night.
Worst of the Night: Paint defense
Charlotte was outmanned in the paint once again but it wasn't just on Nick Richards and P.J. Washington. As a team, Charlotte failed to stop the ball and got crushed off the dribble more than Steve Clifford would care to see. L.A. scored 78 points in the paint and outrebounded the Hornets 48-34.
Highlight of the Night:
Next up: Hornets vs. Raptors, Wednesday at 7 p.m. EST.
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on X:
Facebook - All Hornets
X - @All_Hornets and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.
More must-reads: